Prev
Incident
Marshal Colson was shot and killed in an ambush while on foot patrol. The three suspects were apprehended near the scene. Two were convicted of manslaughter. One was sentenced to seven years and the other to four. The third suspect was acquitted.
Survivors
Marshal Colson had served with the agency for 1 year and was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnr4y5ppr0xat506d71a- 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 Luther. 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
You barely got started.
Marshal Colson gave the Burbank Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Burbank community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Colson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Burbank Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Luther is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Luther is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Luther is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1914, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Luther was 33. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Luther had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Luther was 33. 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. Luther had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Luther was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Luther had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Burbank Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Burbank Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Luther among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Burbank Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
