Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Newbill, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day 18 years ago as your murder was vile and cruel in every aspect of the way. There shouldn't have been a reason as to why you were killed, other than the man that took your life was nothing short of evil, and he deserved what was coming to him in the end as karma caught up to him. I'm not sure what his motives were as to why he did what he did, as it's a question that will probably be unsolved, and it may still linger in the air from time to time. But, he was a coward in death as he took his life afterwards and after he did what he had to do, as he put himself in the ground. Although it could've been different, it's a sign that he was atleast bold enough to dig his own grave. In other words, i'd like to pass on to the positive side of things. Not only were you an officer who protected and served his community, but you also served in the U.S. Army, meaning you served your country as serving your city was probably not enough, as you knew you wanted to become a protector to those in need. It takes alot of bravery and courage to not only become a police officer, but a soldier on top of that which says alot and it means more than just alot to be a soldier too. If becoming a soldier and serving your country and becoming a police officer in the end doesn't hint at your strength, i'm not sure what will, since you clearly had it in you to be a sheepdog to those in need while ensuring the safety of others, and putting their safety over yours. And although i never personally met you nor knew you, i can tell you were a man who got along easy with those you came in contact with and left a lasting impression on the people you talked to, as i read that you saved a man's life by explaining to him on his 2nd DUI charge that what he was doing wasn't only hurting himself, but to those around him, meaning you knew that their were husband's and wive's who had their own issues revolving drugs and alcohol, and you were able to put a stop to it by telling them the consequences that will follow if they continued down that route, as you were an angel sent down to help people with addictions and help solve their problems, as you were a man sent by God to do what you did. And even in your last moments you fought till the end, as i read that before you were shot and wounded, you told another officer to take cover while you fought back, which means that you were selfless until the end. Another thing i'd like to add is that i'm sure your children have grown up and learned more about who their father was, and i'm sure that one day your son may carry your legacy where it was unfortunately left off, and that your legacy will always be remembered for as long as time goes on. I'd like to believe that as long as your name is said and your story is told, you aren't truly dead or forgotten as you live on in the minds and hearts of others, and your legacy will always be honored and talked about. Although your killing was senseless, i think it tells alot on how evil and cruel most people are in this world, especially in this day and age. It shows that there truly are people in this world who don't care for others, and they don't stop and think before doing such actions, as they are possessed with rage to the point they believe that what they'll do is right when in reality, it isn't as their actions only effect not just themselves, but to those they harm along with the families they tore apart in the process. It'll never make sense to me why people look down on law enforcement as targets, when in reality, police are the backbone for protection alongside the Army, as in if we didn't have police, then the world would be gone to waste and would be taken over with wrath. But all in all, those who harm police deserve their punishment in the afterlife, as their is a special place in hell for those who are evil and cruel enough to harm and murder police, as police are sent down by the man himself to protect and serve, and to put everyone's safety over their own, and if that isn't selfless, i don't know what is. And i know that i am not a police officer myself, but i am aware that it is a shame that not all police don't make it home to their families, which is sad but unfortunately true, and with vile people roaming the earth like the man who killed you at one point, it only adds further questions to how worse people will be in the future if they're that willing to tear families apart and only add further damage, as all people like that deserve to either be sealed away permanently, or be put in the ground. Other than that, it's safe to say that the man who killed you is facing his punishment in the afterlife, as Karma has caught up to him in the end and made him pay the price, as it's between him and his God on what happens to him, but i think we all know where he is now due to his actions he did that day that lead him there. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service to the citizens of Moscow and the people of Idaho is appreciated, along with your service to all of us in America, as your service to your country and people will never be forgotten, and as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and as people learn more about your story and who you were as an individual, it'll add more to your memory as people will further want to know more about you and pay their respects. Rest Well Mr. Newbill.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

June 29, 2025

I served under Captain Lee Newbill in Germany in the late eighties. I had a blast being his driver for the REFORGER (Return of forces to Germany) exercise. It was nice to have a man I knew was my boss that could treat you like a friend. I heard of his passing awhile ago, but recently thought of Lee again and wanted to write something. I don't have Facebook and thought this was probably the best way to reach out. My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Lee. RIP my friend.

Jim Gandy
friend

November 6, 2022

15 years and it is no easier than if it was yesterday.

Chris Roberts
friend

May 24, 2022

Rest easy in heaven

Mark Mottola

May 19, 2020

Dear nephew, your wonderful Dad joined you today. It was so bittersweet, but comforting, too, to know y'all are together. You both are always dear and special in our hearts. Aunt Dixie and Uncle Jerry

Jerry and Dixie Sansom
Uncle and Aunt

May 19, 2020

Grandpa I never knew you and I love you even without knowing what you did for all those people but I'm 10 now and I am so so sad that I didn't get to know you because I was born in 2010 and you died in 2007 3 years before when I was born. I wish I could have met you before you died.

Penelope
Granddaughter

April 10, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Newbill.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2019

RIP Brother. Had the privilege of visiting your city back in 1994 during a ten day wilderness camp in the Selway with Tank Lanpher. I just spent all day 05/18 at the press conferences re- the Santa Fe H.S. shooting in Texas. With God’s grace, Santa Fe ISD Officer Barnes will pull rhru.

Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service

May 19, 2018

Today marks ten years, I can only say I have nothing for respect for you officer. I recently did a project on you and I was deeply saddened. I know you are resting in a better place now, you are my role model and a true hero.
Thank you for your service

Jonathan Vergara
Mission Hills High School Criminal Justice Academy

May 19, 2017

In December, 2016 the Missoula Drug Task Force conducted an operation in your memory. On behalf of everyone at the task force we say thank you for your bravery and sacrifice.

Missoula Drug Task Force

January 16, 2017

Life continues...

Daddy,

I love you every day, always. Think of you every day, forever.

Since you have been gone, I have been married. We have a beautiful son who shares your name as part of his. I struggle with the fact that your beautiful grandson will never know how amazing you are. Though am frequently reminded he will know because of the stories I will share with him. You can never be forgotten, for you live so strongly in my heart. I love you forever.

Your Daughter

Christina Rust
Daughter

September 30, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 19, 2015

You were one of the kindest police officers I have ever met. In a profession where there are many complainers, you never spoke poorly of anyone or anything. It's been eight years since that horrible night and you are not forgotten.

Officer

May 18, 2015

I wanted to thank you, Sir, for saving my husband's life. He had problems with alcohol off and on for years (way before I met him) but the night you arrested him for his 2nd DUI, you talked some sense into him, made him understand that his actions were not only hurting him, but the people who cared about him as well. He is sober to this day, has been over 10 years now. He counted you as a friend (still does), and cried when we heard you were killed. I hope you are enjoying heaven, for surely you are there.

anonymous

March 4, 2015

Rest peacefully brother in blue, you are a hero and will be remembered.

Master at Arms M. Moglia
United States Navy

January 11, 2015

Lee,
To this day you are still in my thoughts. You are not forgotten. I am honored to have you as a friend and fellow officer.

Love you brother,

Toby Fisher
Former Moscow PD now Gresham (Oregon) PD

December 2, 2014

Hey brother. Someone said today that they didn't know I had another brother so I sent them the link to this site and then I started reading all the rememberances and of course, cried like a little girl. I still think of you often and miss you. Lindey is married, now. All our babies are all grown up. Wish I could talk to you. Love always.

Sister Kate

June 11, 2013

Not a day goes by I don't remember you and the sacrifice you made. I will keep the faith. Knowing your watching over me, and all of us, let's me believe we will meet again. We'll watch for you down here, you watch over us from there. Hold the line, brother

Casey Green
Moscow PD & Uniontown PD

May 20, 2013

I was in Idaho POST class #130 with Lee, and was proud to call him my friend. I'll address my comments to Lee below:

You gave all, my brother, to protect others even though you had already checked out of service when the shooting began. That's just the kind of guy you were- true, blue, and always there.

You were so proud of your family, your wife and kids, and your friends. Your eyes would light up when you spoke of them, although you kept most of your business private. I always respected that.

Rest in Peace, Officer Newbill. We'll see you again but, until then, watch over us from heaven, we'll take it from here.

Sergeant Robert Rausch
Idaho State Police

September 19, 2012

I'll never forget you friend. Thank you for your service.

Officer Josh Arend
Boise PD former Moscow PD

May 29, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 19, 2012

Still miss ya buddy, 5 years later

Matt Mitchell
Friend

May 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Newbill. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 7, 2012

Was a great officer and an asset to his community

Matt Hosking

March 11, 2012

never forgotten !

Chris
friend

August 30, 2011