UPDATE: Vernon police investigating murder

Update:

Martin Lynn Sanders, 22, remains incarcerated at the Wilbarger County Jail as of Friday morning with bail set at $500,000.

According to the Complaint For Arrest Warrant, “On 04/08/2026 at approximately 2325hrs Officers were dispatched to the area of 928 Olive in reference to a report of gunshots. While in the area Officers observed a disturbance coming from the property of 928 Olive. They then attempted to make contact with the residence and a male subject answered the door and immediately shut it upon seeing uniformed Officers. Due to the nature of the call Officers forced entry into the home and observed a male subject, identified as Jacob cook, laying on the ground with multiple gun-shot wounds. This subject was later pronounced deceased by EMS. Officers later spoke with Martin Sanders who claimed he acted out of self-defense. Officers also observed a firearm in close proximities to him. This led Officers to believe that he caused the death of Jacob Cook by discharging the firearm at him multiple times.”

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The Vernon Police Department is conducting a murder investigation, according to Police Chief Dan Birbeck.

Chief Birbeck said that at around 11:25 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, Vernon Police Emergency Dispatch received a 911 call from the 900 block of Olive Street.

“We received a call for a disturbance in progress. During the 911 call, it escalated to shots being fired,” Chief Birbeck said.

The victim, Jacob Wesley Cook, age 25, was found deceased inside a residence from multiple gunshot wounds. The Chief said that the victim was local and had lived recently in Electra and Vernon.

The alleged shooter is identified as Martin Sanders, 22. He was arrested at the scene without resisting. He has been charged with murder.

The incident is still under active investigation, Chief Birbeck said.