This footage shows police officers in Florida holding a procession in honour of one of their deputies, who was allegedly shot dead by her detective boyfriend in a murder-suicide.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Deputy Abigail Bieber, 30, was found shot dead at a rental holiday home in the coastal city of St. Augustine, in the south-eastern US state of Florida, on Saturday, 29th January.
Investigators believe that HCSO Detective Daniel Leyden shot Abigail Bieber dead before turning the gun on himself.
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) said deputies responded early on Sunday morning to a call reporting suspected gunshots at a home in the 5300-block of A1A South in the Butler Beach area.
Bieber was reportedly found dead inside a bedroom along with her partner in the holiday home, which the two had reportedly rented with co-workers.
Other HSCO deputies told the St. Johns County police that they had heard their colleagues arguing in the bedroom before hearing gunshots a few moments later. It is currently unclear what caused the shooting, and a primary motive is still under investigation.
This footage shows Deputy Bieber’s colleagues at the HCSO holding a procession in her honour. The footage shows a hearse being escorted by a motorcade of police officers on motorcycles while other police officers stand to attention and salute their deceased colleague one last time.
HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister is quoted as saying in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “Deputy Abigail Bieber was an outstanding law enforcement officer, and by all accounts, an even better person who left a positive impact on every member of her squad and the countless members of our community who she encountered while on patrol.”
He added: “This tragedy has left our Sheriff’s Office family grief stricken. There is a void within our hearts that can be filled, but I hope that deputy Bieber’s legacy will be the way she lived her life, as a selfless servant.”
The statement from the HCSO also said: “As a passionate advocate for child victims, Deputy Bieber frequently and diligently responded to calls for service related to sexual battery and child abuse. She aspired to one day become a detective within the Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Section.
“During her nearly four years at HCSO, Deputy Bieber had a number of remarkable encounters, including everything from taking drugs off of our streets to serving as a role model to children she met during her shifts.
“Known for her contagious smile, Deputy Bieber was a friend to fellow deputies and a bright spot in a dark world, as described by a squadmate. Co-workers also described Deputy Bieber as a young woman with a positive attitude who never shied away from tough investigations. She was known for being kind, genuine, caring, and empathetic with the demeanor of a veteran law enforcement officer.
“On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Deputy Bieber was returned home, escorted by the HCSO Motor Unit and motor units from surround law enforcement agencies. She will be laid to rest in Clearwater, FL.”
