Iberville Parish, Louisiana — A tragic series of events unfolded Monday evening inside the Iberville Parish Courthouse when a suspect already in custody managed to obtain a weapon and opened fire, leaving one deputy dead and another seriously wounded.

Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred while two deputies were interviewing the suspect in connection with an ongoing sexual assault investigation. The sudden eruption of gunfire shattered the calm of the courthouse and sent staff and visitors scrambling for safety.

During the exchange, Deputy Charles Riley was struck in the abdomen. Despite immediate medical attention and emergency transport to a nearby hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries. Fellow officers and community members have since expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a respected and dedicated public servant.

Another victim, Brett Stassi Jr., the son of the parish sheriff, was also wounded. Reports indicate he sustained a gunshot wound to the side and remains hospitalized. His condition has been described as stable, and doctors are continuing to monitor his recovery.

Investigators have confirmed that the suspect is deceased. However, officials have not yet disclosed whether his death was the result of police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound. The Louisiana State Police and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office are treating the case as an officer-involved shooting, pending a thorough investigation.

Witnesses inside the courthouse described moments of chaos as shots rang out. Law enforcement personnel quickly secured the premises, evacuating employees and civilians to safety while tactical teams swept through the building to ensure there were no additional threats.

Authorities have yet to explain how the suspect managed to obtain a firearm while in custody. According to initial reports, the individual was not restrained at the time of the interview, though standard security protocols were in place. Investigators are now examining whether any procedural lapses occurred that could have enabled the suspect to gain access to a weapon.

The sheriff’s office issued a statement expressing grief over Deputy Riley’s death, calling him a valued member of the department known for his professionalism and dedication to community safety. Colleagues described him as a calm, dependable officer who treated everyone he encountered with respect.

Law enforcement agencies from neighboring parishes have extended their condolences and pledged support for the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time. Flags at local government buildings have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Deputy Riley’s service and sacrifice.

As investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly shooting, the community of Iberville Parish remains in mourning. Residents have begun placing flowers and messages of condolence outside the courthouse, paying tribute to a fallen deputy whose duty to protect others ultimately cost him his life.