Robert Lee Timberlake Jr., a dedicated officer with the United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service, tragically lost his life on January 24, 1979, in Tampa, Florida. Officer Timberlake was on duty at the Tampa Federal Building located at 500 East Zack Street when he encountered a transient individual in the lobby. The situation escalated when the individual entered an elevator, and Officer Timberlake followed.
Inside the elevator, a struggle ensued, during which the transient managed to seize Officer Timberlake's .38 caliber service weapon and shot him multiple times. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m., and despite the immediate response from other federal agents, Officer Timberlake succumbed to his injuries.
The assailant was severely wounded by federal agents when the elevator doors opened. Following the incident, the suspect was found incompetent to stand trial and was committed to the state mental hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida. It wasn't until 1980 that the individual was deemed competent enough to face trial. The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison for each count of attempted murder and an additional 5 years for each assault charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently with his time in the mental hospital.
Officer Timberlake's death had a profound impact on the community and his colleagues. He was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Federal Protective Service for eight years, following a 12-year tenure with the Akron Police Department in Ohio. He was survived by his wife, three children, and his mother. In honor of his service and sacrifice, the Tampa Federal Building was renamed the Timberlake Federal Building.
The case of Officer Timberlake's murder highlights the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement officers, particularly when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. The legal proceedings following the incident underscored the complexities involved in determining the competency of defendants to stand trial and the subsequent sentencing considerations. The community's response to Officer Timberlake's death, including the renaming of the federal building, serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication and bravery.
