Background: News footage at the scene where Michael Martin was found dead in December 2022 (KSAT). Inset (left): Joshua A. Ford (Bexar County Sheriff”s Office). Inset (right): Michael Obryan Martin (Carter-Taylor-Williams Mortuary).
According to reports from local news outlet KENS, Ford engaged with police shortly after the incident, allegedly admitting to the shooting but claiming it was an act of self-defense. The confrontation reportedly happened during a final inspection of a property previously rented by Martin, who had recently vacated the premises.
The altercation unfolded on December 7, 2022, when Ford was inspecting the home with a witness present. Martin unexpectedly arrived, leading to a dispute over outstanding rent. According to the arrest report, Martin had been evicted after failing to pay rent for two months and was required by Ford to return the property key, prompting his presence at the inspection.
As the argument over unpaid rent escalated, the two men moved through the home, eventually ending up in a utility room. Ford claims that during the confrontation, Martin appeared to reach for a weapon, prompting him to respond in what he described as self-defense, allegedly shooting Martin twice. One of the shots struck Martin in the face.
According to the arrest report, Martin reportedly stopped paying Ford rent for two months before Ford evicted him. After Martin moved out, Ford told him he had to come back to return his key. Martin showed up during the walk-through inspection, which took place about a month after he moved out.
As the two men argued about the money Martin reportedly owed, they moved throughout the home and ended up in a utility room. Ford told police that Martin purportedly appeared to reach for a weapon, which prompted him to act in self-defense and allegedly shoot Martin twice. One shot hit him in the face.
After the shooting, Ford told police he unloaded the gun and placed it on a kitchen island before he called 911.
Deputies from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ford on Wednesday and charged him with murder. He is being held in the Bexar County Jail without bond.
