Deputy U.S. Marshal Killed Serving Warrant; Louisiana

A Louisiana man accused of fatally shooting a Deputy U.S. Marshal while officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant is now facing a federal charge that could carry the death penalty if he’s convicted.

Federal prosecutors say 48-year-old Clarence A. Frazier Jr. allegedly opened fire after law enforcement officers arrived at his Alexandria home to arrest him. Authorities say the warrant stemmed from his failure to appear in court for a scheduled trial on pending state charges. During the operation, Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson was shot and killed.

According to investigators, officers identified themselves before entering the home. Prosecutors allege Frazier barricaded himself inside a bedroom and began shooting. After a standoff, he was taken into custody.

Frazier has been charged in federal court with the murder of a federal officer, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty. A decision on whether prosecutors will seek capital punishment will ultimately be made by the U.S. Department of Justice.