Table of Contents
- Tragedy in Plaquemine: What Happened
- Victims Identified: A Community in Mourning
- Who Was the Suspect?
- How Did a Gun Get Into the Courthouse?
- Local Leaders React
- Sources
Tragedy in Plaquemine: What Happened
A quiet evening in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, turned deadly Monday when a courthouse shooting left one deputy sheriff dead, another critically wounded, and the suspect fatally shot. The incident has sent shockwaves through the small community just southwest of Baton Rouge.
According to Louisiana State Police, the shooting occurred at the Iberville Parish courthouse in Plaquemine during a routine booking procedure. The suspect, who was being processed on sexual assault charges, opened fire—raising urgent questions about courthouse security protocols.
Victims Identified: A Community in Mourning
Sheriff Brett Stassi Sr. confirmed the identity of the fallen officer as Deputy Charles Riley, a six-year veteran of the Iberville Sheriff’s Office. His son, Deputy Brett Stassi Jr.—a 20-year law enforcement veteran—was critically injured and remains in intensive care following emergency surgery.
“Our hearts are broken,” Sheriff Stassi said in a statement. “Charles was a dedicated public servant. My son is fighting for his life. We ask for prayers and privacy as our family and department grieve.”
Who Was the Suspect?
State police identified the shooter as 27-year-old Latrell Clark of White Castle, Louisiana. At the time of the shooting, Clark was in custody and undergoing booking procedures related to a sexual assault case.
Authorities have not disclosed how Clark obtained a firearm while in police custody—a detail that has intensified scrutiny of local law enforcement procedures. It remains unclear whether Clark shot himself or was killed by responding officers.
How Did a Gun Get Into the Courthouse?
The Louisiana courthouse shooting has reignited debate over security in government buildings, especially those that double as law enforcement facilities. Courthouses typically have metal detectors and armed personnel, yet a suspect managed to access a weapon during what should have been a controlled booking process.
Legal experts and public safety officials say this incident may prompt statewide reviews of detention and transport protocols for suspects in high-risk cases.
Local Leaders React
Local officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, expressed condolences and pledged full support for the investigation. “We stand with the brave men and women of the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office,” Landry said in a statement. “No officer should fall in the line of duty—especially inside a courthouse.”
Vigils are being planned across the parish, and a GoFundMe campaign has already launched to support the families of both deputies.
