PLAQUEMINE, La. — A community is in mourning after a deadly shooting at the Iberville Parish Courthouse on Monday night left one deputy dead, another critically injured, and the suspect fatally shot. The tragic incident unfolded around 7:50 p.m., during what authorities described as a routine interrogation connected to a sexual assault investigation. Officials have identified the suspect as 28-year-old Latrell Mikal Ornee Clark of White Castle, whose violent outburst turned a standard interview into one of the darkest nights in the parish’s history.
According to investigators, the confrontation began while deputies were questioning Clark in an interview room. Without warning, Clark allegedly lunged for a deputy’s firearm, managing to seize control of the weapon before opening fire inside the courthouse. Deputy Charles Riley, who was struck in the abdomen, was rushed by private vehicle to Ochsner Iberville, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite emergency efforts to save him. Riley’s death, officials said, has left an enormous void in the sheriff’s office and the wider community he served faithfully for years.
Deputy Brett Stassi Jr., the second officer injured and the son of Sheriff Brett Stassi, suffered a gunshot wound to his side and was airlifted to Baton Rouge for surgery. Sheriff Stassi later confirmed that his son sustained severe internal injuries, including the loss of a kidney, spleen, part of his pancreas, and a section of his colon. As of Tuesday morning, Stassi Jr. remains in critical but stable condition, and doctors expect additional surgeries in the coming days as he continues to fight for his life.
In a statement marked by grief, Sheriff Stassi called the tragedy “every law enforcement family’s worst nightmare.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Deputy Riley and profound gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public. “Our department is hurting deeply,” he said. “But we will lean on our community and one another to get through this. Deputy Riley was not only a colleague but a brother in service, a husband, and a father of three. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
As a show of respect, flags across Iberville Parish have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Deputy Riley. Residents have gathered for vigils and prayer services, leaving flowers and candles outside the courthouse in tribute. Across Louisiana, messages of condolence and solidarity have poured in, including one from Attorney General Liz Murrill, who described the event as “a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers faced daily by those who protect and serve.”
Meanwhile, the Louisiana State Police and other agencies are assisting in the investigation to determine how Clark was able to access the weapon during questioning. Security protocols at the courthouse are also under review to prevent future tragedies. As the community grieves, Iberville Parish stands united in remembrance of Deputy Charles Riley’s courage and in continued hope for Deputy Brett Stassi Jr.’s recovery — a powerful testament to the resilience of a community bound by duty, sacrifice, and love.