In the quiet town of Plaquemine, Louisiana, a dedicated public servant, 33-year-old Charles Riley, lost his life in the line of duty. A male deputy with the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office, Riley was a respected figure in his community, known for his commitment to protecting and serving. His life was tragically cut short on the evening of October 6, 2025, during a violent altercation at the Iberville Parish Courthouse.
Deputy Riley, along with a fellow detective, was in the process of
interviewing a suspect in connection with a sexual assault investigation. As they attempted to place the man under arrest, a struggle broke out. In the ensuing chaos, the suspect managed to gain control of a firearm and opened fire, striking both deputies. Despite the grave danger, one of the deputies was able to return fire. Both wounded officers were rushed to a nearby hospital, but Deputy Riley tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Latrell Clark, was also transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound sustained during the exchange. The other deputy, Brett Stassi Jr., the son of Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi, was critically injured but survived the shooting. The incident sent shockwaves through the tight-knit law enforcement community and the residents of Plaquemine, who mourned the loss of a devoted husband, father of two, and U.S. Navy veteran who had served his parish with honor for six years.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community came together to honor the fallen deputy. Funeral services for Charles Riley were held, drawing an outpouring of support from family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers from across the nation. He was remembered as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his community, a man of courage and integrity whose legacy would not be forgotten.
