Martin Belkin

Martin Belkin was a famous photographer who had been hired to take pictures of David Palmer on the day of the California presidential primary.

Before Day 1

Martin Belkin's photos included a shot of Munich which appeared in an issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. He once met Princess Di, but never took her picture.

Hours before Day 1 began, Belkin boarded Flight 221 from Berlin, Germany to Los Angeles, scheduled to arrive around 1:30 AM PST. He was seated next to Mandy, flying under the alias of Miranda Stapleton.

Day 1

At 12:25 AM, Belkin called Patty Brooks, David Palmer's campaign manager, to confirm arrangements for the breakfast in the morning, where he was scheduled to take photographs of the event. Afterward, Mandy seemed to become fascinated with him being a photographer and the two began drinking heavily, eventually having sex in the bathroom. Afterward, Mandy asked to meet him once they got to L.A., but he told her he'd be too busy.

Belkin returned to his seat and fell asleep. When he awoke, Mandy was gone and his wallet was missing. He tried to tell a stewardess, but she advised him to remain seated. Minutes later, the plane exploded in the air above the Mojave Desert, killing all aboard.

Belkin's ID would later be used by Ira Gaines's henchman Jonathan Matijevich, who had plastic surgery to look exactly like Belkin.