Deputy Sheriff Lonnie C. Coburn, 25, was killed on February 21, 1978, in Brooksville, Florida. He confronted two suspects wanted in the rape, kidnapping and murder of a young woman who was six months pregnant. During the confrontation the suspects overpowered Deputy Coburn, took his service weapon and shot him twice; the shooting proved fatal.

The two suspects, then aged 32 and 22, were arrested, convicted of the murders of Deputy Coburn and the pregnant woman, and originally sentenced to death. Their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment, and as of November 23, 2020 both remained incarcerated. A portion of State Road 50 near the scene was dedicated in Deputy Coburn’s memory.

Does anyone have memories of the community response at the time or further details about the memorial dedication?