Is The Media Covering Up the Truth About Benji Martin Jr?

🔎 What happened

• On November 8, 2025, a fatal shooting occurred inside the emergency department lobby of WakeMed Garner Healthplex in Garner, North Carolina. WXII+2ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+2

• Officer Roger Smith, 59 — a campus police officer with WakeMed (and former member of the Knightdale Police Department) — responded to a disturbance. According to police, a “struggle ensued” between Smith and Benji Martin Jr. inside the ER lobby. WXII+2The News & Observer+2

• During that altercation, a gun went off. Smith was fatally shot and died at the scene. Martin Jr. was also shot and hospitalized. WXII+2Spectrum Local News+2

💡 Who is involved

• Benji Martin Jr., 29, of Garner, NC — identified as the suspect. Hindustan Times+2The News & Observer+2

• Roger Smith, 59 — longtime officer, had worked at WakeMed for over a decade, and previously with Knightdale PD. WXII+2WFMY News 2+2

⚖️ Legal status & claims

• Martin Jr. has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Smith’s death. The News & Observer+2ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+2

• He made his first court appearance days after being released from the hospital. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+1

• His defense claims Martin was unarmed and seeking help — that he had entered the hospital for mental-health treatment (after a difficult personal situation) and did not bring a weapon. WRAL News+1

• The defense is pushing for the release of hospital surveillance video — which officials say exists — claiming it is critical to clarify what happened. As of the last hearing, a judge denied the request to release that video. Spectrum Local News+2ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+2

🙏 Community & institutional response

• Colleagues, law enforcement and community members have held memorials and tributes for Officer Smith. A memorial ride was organized by a law-enforcement support group to honor him. WRAL News+2WXII+2

• Meanwhile, family and supporters of Martin Jr. say they’re shocked — people who know him describe him as kind, non-violent, helpful, and believe he wouldn’t intentionally harm anyone. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+2The News & Observer+2

❓ Key unanswered questions

• Authorities have not publicly clarified what exactly triggered the struggle or what led to the gun discharge. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+2WXII+2

• It remains unclear whether Martin was armed when he entered the hospital or whether he was resisting — or simply in mental-health crisis. WRAL News+2The News & Observer+2

• The hospital video evidence — which could show what happened — has not been released to the public. Spectrum Local News+1

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About The Author

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Dominick Izzo is a former police officer turned outspoken advocate for transparency and accountability in law enforcement. With years of on-the-street experience, he brings an unfiltered perspective to the complexities of policing that few are willing to discuss. As the host of Cop Talk LIVE, Izzo breaks down real-life police use-of-force incidents, offering professional insight into the split-second decisions officers face and the challenges behind the badge. His no-nonsense approach to hard-hitting topics sparks critical conversations about the realities of modern policing, making him a bold and respected voice in the dialogue surrounding law enforcement today.

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