Prev
Incident
Deputy Lonnie Coburn was shot and killed when he confronted two suspects wanted in the connection of the rape, kidnapping, and murder of a young woman who was six months pregnant. The two attacked him, gained control of his service weapon, and shot him twice. Both suspects were eventually apprehended, convicted of both murders, and sentenced to death. Both, 32 and 22, later had their sentences commuted to life. As on November 23, 2020, both were in prison. A portion of State Road 50 near the scene of his murder was dedicated in his memory.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpc65rn3r9jwzs58x7hr- 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 Lonnie. 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 Coburn served with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Brooksville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Coburn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hernando County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Lonnie is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Lonnie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lonnie 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 1978, 5 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
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
Lonnie was 25. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
Lonnie was 25. 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.
Lonnie was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 7.8% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Hernando County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 10.3% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Hernando County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Lonnie among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hernando County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
