Louisiana man accused of killing deputy US marshal faces possible death penalty

A Louisiana man has been charged with murder after allegedly killing a deputy U.S. marshal who was shot while serving an arrest warrant, federal officials announced Tuesday.

Multiple law enforcement officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant related to a prior sexual battery charge when Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria, allegedly barricaded himself inside his home and opened fire, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana.

Frazier is charged with the murder of a federal officer and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

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Authorities identified the slain deputy U.S. marshal as Drew Hanson, whom officials described 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.”

According to officials, the shooting occurred July 13, after members of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office located Frazier at his residence and obtained a search warrant for the property.

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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.