Louisiana deputy sheriff shot to death with his own gun by suspect during interrogation

Charles Riley, a six-year veteran of the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, was fatally shot during a struggle with 27-year-old Latrell Clark, who attempted to grab Riley’s firearm while being interviewed. Clark was being booked on a sexual assault charge and was in a courthouse interview room with Riley and Captain Brett Stassi Jr. when the altercation broke out. A struggle ensued, and several shots were fired. Clark was also killed in the shooting.

"We're all just stunned and distraught; this just doesn't happen here," said Iberville Parish Deputy Ronnie Hebert to USA Today Network. "I've been here 31 years, and its the first time I've ever been part of an investigation where one of our deputies was shot or killed.”

Riley is survived by his wife and two children. Stassi Jr., the son of Sheriff Brett Stassi, remains in stable but critical condition.

Hebert did not provide details on how Clark gained control of the weapon and deferred further questions to the Louisiana State Police, who are leading the investigation. The FBI is also assisting in the investigation.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry addressed the shooting in a post on X, asking for prayers following the killing.

"Absolutely horrific news out of Iberville Parish tonight. Please join Sharon and me in praying for the deputy killed, for Deputy Stassi who is in stable condition, their families, and the entire Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office. The violence must end,” Landry wrote.