Tensions escalated in Martinsville’s city government as Mayor L.C. Jones seeks an emergency protective order against City Councilman Aaron Rawls, following a confrontation at last week’s city council meeting.

Police had to intervene between a Martinsville city councilman Julian Mei and Mayor L.C. Jones Thursday night as tensions erupted during a heated debate over releasing findings from an investigation into the former city manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides.

Controversy continues to mount over the firing of former Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, with council members and legal representatives challenging the decision’s legitimacy.

The fallout from the firing of Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell Benevides continues to deepen, as City Council members clash over whether to release investigation documents to the public.

Martinsville City Council voted to remove controversial City manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides. Ferrell-Benavides had served on the post since 2023.

The Mayor of Martinsville responded Thursday after a City Councilman was removed from a meeting last week.

A Martinsville city councilman spoke out on Thursday afternoon after being removed from a Tuesday night council meeting.