Louisiana Man May Face Death Penalty in US Marshal Killing

A Louisiana man is facing a murder charge after authorities say he fatally shot a deputy U.S. marshal during an attempt to serve an arrest warrant, federal officials said Tuesday.

Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria, allegedly barricaded himself inside his residence and opened fire as multiple law enforcement officers arrived to execute a warrant tied to an earlier sexual battery charge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana.

Frazier has been charged with murder of a federal officer. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.

The deputy U.S. marshal killed in the shooting was identified by authorities as Drew Hanson, who officials remembered as a devoted husband, father and son.

“Tragically, the defendant’s alleged actions claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer who was simply doing his duty,” Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Federal officials said the deadly shooting happened July 13, after personnel with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office found Frazier at his home and secured a search warrant for the property.

According to the federal criminal complaint, Frazier had failed to appear in state court to face trial on a charge of sexual battery of a person with infirmities.

After announcing their presence, law enforcement officers forced entry into the home, authorities said.

Frazier allegedly barricaded himself inside a bedroom and opened fire on the officers, striking Hanson.

Following a standoff inside the bedroom, Frazier was taken into custody.

Hanson later died from the gunshot wounds he sustained during the exchange of gunfire.