Richmond, Va., Man Inspired to a Career in Law and to Prosecute Violent Crimes

Often, the deepest, most moving form of inspiration is born out of tragedy. That is certainly the case in the story of Virginia Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Timothy Martin, who was 17 when he watched the man charged with his brother’s attempted murder and the murder of his brother’s girlfriend stand trial more than 17 years ago. Both victims were shot in the head. Martin’s brother survived, but the girlfriend did not.

Martin watched as prosecutor Learned Barry took command of the courtroom as he successfully sought conviction and a death sentence for the shooter. Martin got his law degree and sought out Barry as a mentor. Martin now prosecutes violent cases for the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Read all the details of this story in the Richmond Times Dispatch: Trial inspired career in court.