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Incident
Patrolman Conerely was shot and killed after responding to a call of a man with a gun. The suspect walked into a bank brandishing a pistol and a knife. Patrolman Conerely found the suspect walking on a nearby street with a shogun. As he approached, the suspect shot him in the head. He shot at other officers arriving on the scene with his pistol before being taken into custody. On May 29, 1980, the suspect, 28, was convicted of capital murder, aggravated assault, and sentenced to life plus 30 years. As of December 7, 2022, he was in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Conerely had served with the Columbia Police Department for seven years and was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Conerely gave the Columbia Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Conerely.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Columbia Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Leonard is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 5 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leonard was 31. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Leonard had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Leonard was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Leonard had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leonard was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Leonard had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MS, more than any other month. Thursdays: 12.8%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Columbia Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 15.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Columbia Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Leonard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 8-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Columbia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
