Murder: True Crime Stories
Episode: UNSOLVED: The Martin Family Mystery 1
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Introduction
In the inaugural episode of "UNSOLVED: The Martin Family Mystery," host Carter Roy delves into one of Oregon's most perplexing and haunting disappearance cases. Released on August 12, 2025, this episode sets the stage for a two-part series that explores the baffling vanishing of the Martin family in 1958. Roy emphasizes the lasting impact of the case on the community and the enduring questions that remain unanswered decades later.
Notable Quote:
“People's lives are like a story. There's a beginning, a middle and an end. But you don't always know which part you're on.”
— Carter Roy [00:00]
The Martin Family Background
Carter Roy introduces Ken and Barbara Martin, a seemingly perfect family residing in the Rose City Park neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Ken, originally from South Dakota, moved to Oregon with his family in 1911 when his father, Reverend Edward Martin, accepted a position with the American Sunday School Union. Ken and Barbara married in 1929 and built a life centered around community involvement and familial growth.
The couple had four children: Donald, Barbara (Barbie), Virginia, and Sue. Ken's steady career with the Portland General Electric Company provided the family with financial stability during the Great Depression and World War II. Barbara was notably active in the PTA and various community groups, earning luxuries through sweepstakes and contests.
Notable Quote:
“The Martins were in good company. There were plenty of other young kids in the area for 7-year-old Ken to play with.”
— Carter Roy [04:00]
The Day of Disappearance
On December 7, 1958, the Martin family embarked on what was meant to be a routine outing to gather Christmas decorations from the Columbia River Gorge. Their destination was Highway 30, a scenic route known for its lush forests and beautiful vistas. Between 1 and 2 PM, neighbors last saw the Martins driving their red and white Ford station wagon. However, the family never returned home.
The Martins' meticulous nature made their sudden disappearance all the more alarming. By the next morning, their absence was profoundly felt. Ken's work truck remained in the driveway, and there were no signs of departure aside from the family's planned outing.
Notable Quote:
“Someone, probably Barbara, had left a package of ground beef near the sink. Now the once frozen container had a puddle of water around it.”
— Carter Roy [13:43]
Initial Investigation
The Multnomah County Police Department launched an extensive search operation, enlisting over 1,000 volunteers from various agencies and the community. Despite the vast effort, no immediate leads emerged. The investigation was challenging due to the expansive and rugged terrain of the Columbia River Gorge.
A critical breakthrough occurred on December 23, when Charlotte Martin, Ken's sister, discovered a credit card slip indicating that Ken had purchased gasoline at a Chevron station in Cascade Locks on the day of the disappearance. This led detectives to narrow down the search area, but sightings of the family remained unverified.
Notable Quote:
“Except for one person. Their eldest child, 28-year-old Donald.”
— Carter Roy [26:26]
Suspect: Donald Martin
Donald Martin, the eldest son, was living in New York at the time of his family's disappearance and was conspicuously absent from the search efforts. Detective Walter Graven became suspicious of Donald's whereabouts and background. A history of theft and estrangement from the family painted Donald as a potential suspect.
In 1954, Donald was fired from his job for stealing goods worth approximately $2,000. Ken Martin had assured the employer that Donald would rehabilitate, but Donald instead moved to New York, exhibiting behavior that raised further questions about his involvement.
Notable Quote:
“Only a few things weren't recovered, including a .38 caliber Colt Commander, the same type of gun as the one that was found in Cascade Locks.”
— Carter Roy [26:26]
Evidence and Developments
On January 18, 1959, a gun matching Donald's previously reported stolen firearm was found near Cascade Locks. This critical piece of evidence heightened suspicion around Donald. Detective Graven sought to confront Donald, but the son remained elusive, complicating the investigation.
The discovery of Sue and Virginia Martin's bodies in May 1959 provided some closure but also deepened the mystery. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remained unclear, leaving many questions unanswered about the true nature of the Martins' disappearance.
Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
As the first part of the mystery unfolds, "UNSOLVED: The Martin Family Mystery" highlights the complexities and enduring intrigue of this case. Carter Roy leaves listeners anticipating the next episode, where the investigation continues to unravel the tangled web of evidence and motivations that may explain the Martins' fate.
Notable Quote:
“The truth about what happened that fateful December day was murkier than the depths of the Columbia River and it would take decades to even scratch the surface.”
— Carter Roy [26:26]
Looking Ahead
In the upcoming second episode, Roy promises to delve deeper into the various theories surrounding the Martins' disappearance and explore modern-day discoveries that may finally shed light on the case. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for a comprehensive continuation of this enduring mystery.
Produced by: Max Cutler, Ron Shapiro, Alex Benedon, Natalie Pertzofsky, Laurie Marinelli, Sarah Camp, Megan Hennam, and Russell Nash.
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