Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Robert Lather was killed when his cruiser was struck by a car that he and a Howard County deputy were trying to stop. The deputy had called for assistance in stopping the vehicle, which was traveling at over 95 mph. Trooper Lather was in front of the vehicle attempting to slow it when the car struck the rear of his cruiser, causing it to crash. The 17-year-old driver was arrested and charged with manslaughter and several traffic violations including drunk driving. Trooper Lather, who had beaten cancer twice, had served with the Indiana State Police for 7½ years and was assigned to the Peru post.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and 6-month-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-D8476686- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Lather gave the Indiana State Police 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Indiana. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Lather.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Robert John Lather II is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Indiana State Police, 21 of 46 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 45.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert John Lather II's cause is highlighted.
How Robert John Lather II Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert John Lather II is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert John Lather II was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
45 officers from Indiana State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
