Deputy Killed In Murder-Suicide Wanted To Work With Child Victims

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — With the approval of the family, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the deputy who was killed during a murder-suicide in St. Augustine Saturday.

Deputy Abigail Bieber, 30, who patrolled the northwest portion of Hillsborough County for the District III sheriff's office, worked with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office since February 2018.

She comes from a family rooted firmly in law enforcement. Two of her brothers, Ben and Daniel, are officers with the Clearwater Police Department, and were among those joining a procession Wednesday to escort her body from St. Augustine to her hometown of Clearwater.

"We mourn her loss alongside her family and others who loved her," Clearwater Police Chief Dan Slaughter said.

Bieber and sheriff's Detective Daniel Leyden, who were in a romantic relationship, were at a vacation rental home in St. Augustine with fellow deputies when they were heard arguing in a bedroom followed by the sound of gunshots.

The fellow deputies entered the room and found both Leyden and Bieber fatally shot. The sheriff's office said it appears that Leyden shot Bieber and then shot himself.

The shooting remains under investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

See related story: Deaths Of 2 Hillsborough Deputies An Apparent Murder Suicide

"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," Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This tragedy has left our sheriff's office family grief-stricken. There is a void within our hearts that can never be filled, but I hope that Deputy Bieber's legacy will be the way she lived her life — as a selfless servant."

An advocate for child victims, Bieber frequently responded to calls for service-related to sexual battery and child abuse. She wanted to become a detective within the Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Section.

During her nearly four years at the sheriff's office, Bieber had an opportunity to take drugs off the streets and serve as a role model to children she met during her shifts.

Co-workers said she will be remembered for her "contagious smile" and as "a bright spot in a dark world."

They said she had a positive attitude and was known for being kind, genuine, caring and empathetic.

When it came to law enforcement, co-workers said she never shied away from tough investigations.

The motorcade also passed by the District III sheriff's office at 7202 Gunn Highway, where Bieber was assigned, to give Bieber's co-workers and the community a chance to pay their respects.

"Deputy Bieber is more than deserving of this honor, and we hope that by allowing both our sheriff's office family and the community at large to pay their respects, it will provide some small sense of comfort in this tragedy," said Chronister. "She will forever be remembered as a dedicated public servant."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Those experiencing abuse and is in need of help can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.