Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy William O'Berry was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man in Hernando County. The suspect was wanted in Pasco County for stealing an automobile.
As Deputy O'Berry placed handcuffs on the suspect, the man suddenly ran towards the back of his house. Deputy O'Berry chased the man to the rear of the house where he was shot by the suspect.
The man fled the scene and was able to avoid a massive manhunt. He was arrested in Marion County several days later after being shot while fleeing officers. As the Hernando County sheriff and a deputy returned the suspect from Marion they were accosted by a group of angry citizens. The citizens took custody of the suspect and lynched him.
Deputy O'Berry was survived by his parents and siblings. He is buried in Townsend House Cemetery in Dade City, Florida.
Survivors
Deputy O'Berry was survived by his parents and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-9DF49AF7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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.
Deputy Sheriff O'Berry served with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the New Port Richey community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff O'Berry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William Henry O'Berry is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pasco County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Henry O'Berry's cause is highlighted.
How William Henry O'Berry Compares
Offender Outcome
Lynched by mob
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Henry O'Berry is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Henry O'Berry was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Pasco County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
