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Wayne Koester

Case from Lake, FL dated Feb 09, 2005

Victim Details

Wayne J. Koester

Male

White / Caucasian

Lake

FL

2005-02-09

33

Wayne

Koester

07/01/2026

Case Description

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Wayne J. Koester, a 33-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on February 9, 2005, in Lake County, Florida. Deputy Koester was ambushed and fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call in the Ocala National Forest. He was accompanied by two other deputies when they were attacked by the suspect, Jason Wheeler, who opened fire with a shotgun. Despite being transported to a hospital in Tavares, Florida, Deputy Koester succumbed to his injuries.

The incident began when the ...
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Links to Additional Sources (9)

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  • Deputy Sheriff Wayne J. Koester
  • Niece of Lake County deputy killed in 2005 reflects on loss after ...
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    Forum Posts (3)

    Hey everyone,
    I've been reflecting a lot on how the community came together after the tragic loss... ...Read More
    09/09/2023
    Has anyone else been thinking about the aftermath for Jason Wheeler? While we always focus on the vi... ...Read More
    04/01/2023
    I’ve been following the case of Deputy Wayne J. Koester, and while the trial and subsequent events... ...Read More
    01/21/2023
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