Deputy Sheriff John Warren Liebenstein

John Warren Liebenstein

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.