Two Amateurs Feared Dead in Branch Davidian Fire

From QST Magazine, June 1993, page 78

Two Amateur Radio operators apparently perished in the fire at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, on April 19. Douglas Wayne Martin, KJ5HK, and Jeffrey Little, KJ5HJ, were among those listed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on April 20 as previously identified and presumed dead.

According to Waco-area amateurs, Martin and Little passed Novice-class exams i June 1992, and progresed through Extra Class by the end of the year. In December, Martin had told a Waco amateur that he had an HF transceiver and an inverted-V antenna for 20 and 15 meters and "could work anywhere," although local amateurs hadn't heard either call sign on the air.

Five days before the government siege began on February 28, Martin had attende a club meeting of the Heart of Texas ARC. He was 42 years old and a Harvard-educated lawyer. Little was 32 years old, according to FCC records.

Martin's wife, Sheila Judith Martin, 46, and three of the couple's children, left the compound before the fire. Two other Martin children were listed by the FBI as presumed dead.

From QST Magazine, published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111


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