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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Liebenstein was killed by a vehicle that rammed his patrol car at 90 mph during a pursuit. Deputy Liebenstein was blocking an interstate ramp so the car, driven by a 17-year-old, could not exit the interstate. The juvenile was taken into custody after being treated at a local hospital. He was convicted of first-degree murder and was given a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. in 2018, he was granted the ability for parole. Deputy Liebenstein had served with the Rice County Sheriff's Department for nine years. He was survived by his wife and three children. 25 miles of I-35 have been dedicated as the Deputy Sheriff John W. Liebenstein Memorial Highway.
Survivors
He 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.
Deputy Sheriff Liebenstein gave the Rice County Sheriff's Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Faribault community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Liebenstein.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Rice County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 84 officers lost to accidents in MN, 28.7% of the 293 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1996, 1 officer in MN was lost to accidents, the 20th heaviest of 60 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 3.
In 1996, 49 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 98th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1996, 57 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 40. Of the 84 lost to accidents in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 32.8 and 53; the middle age was 41.5. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 40. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 14.3% of these deaths in MN, more than any other month. Fridays: 26.2%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Rice County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 28.7% of all 293 deaths in MN, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Rice County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rice County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
