Son of local couple killed in Idaho shootout

The adult son of two long-time Gulf Breeze residents was killed in the line of duty in Moscow, Idaho on Saturday, May 19.

According to preliminary reports, Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill, 48, was shot and killed during a violent rampage by alleged gunman Jason Hamilton. The shooting spree claimed the lives of two others, injured a Latah County Sheriff's Deputy and an unnamed civilian before the suspect shot and killed himself, police said.

Newbill is the son of Merrill Stewart 'Bud' and Mary Newton Newbill. Lee Newbill did not live in Gulf Breeze, but his parents have lived on Grand Canal Drive in Villa Venyce for close to 30 years. Newbill is the brother of Gulf Breeze residents Judy Burns and Dixie Reyes. Familiy members were not immediately available for comment and were attending remembrance ceremonies in the gemstate.

Funeral services for the slain officer were held at the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho on Friday, May 25.

According to local news reports emanating from the Idaho community of about 20,000 people, Newbill was the first Moscow police officer ever killed in the line of duty.

It is believed that Hamilton shot and killed his wife, Crystal, at their home before traveling to the courthouse district that night. Hamilton then opened fire near the Latah County Courthouse. Police reports indicate Hamilton then fired into an emergency dispatch center inside the courthouse, killing Newbill, injuring deputy Brannon Jordon and the civilian before entering nearby First Presbyterian Church were Hamilton allegedly killed caretaker Paul Bauer before taking his own life.

According to the City of Moscow Police Department website, donations to the Newbill family can be made to the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) in lieu of flowers. For more information about COPS, visit them online at www.nationalcops.org.