Federal prosecutors have charged Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria with the murder of a deputy U.S. marshal who was fatally shot while officers tried to take him into custody, according to court documents and law enforcement statements.
What happened at the home
Authorities say marshals and Rapides Parish sheriff’s detectives went to Frazier’s residence Monday to serve a contempt arrest warrant after he failed to appear for a scheduled criminal trial. In an affidavit submitted by FBI agent James Rimmer, officers located Frazier in a bedroom, and a shooting followed.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson was struck and killed when Frazier fired at officers, the affidavit says. Frazier then barricaded himself in the bedroom before being taken into custody after a standoff.
Federal charge and next steps
U.S. prosecutors filed one count in federal court charging Frazier with murder of a federal officer — an offense that carries either life in prison or the death penalty. A federal magistrate unsealed the complaint Tuesday after Frazier’s arrest.
"[Frazier] will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Acting U.S. Attorney Todd Blanche said in a statement.
A federal public defender assigned to Frazier did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said it is involved in the investigation and that the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service were among agencies on the scene.
Background to the arrest attempt
Online Rapides Parish court records show Frazier had been scheduled for trial Monday on charges filed in 2024 alleging third-degree rape and sexual battery of a person with infirmities. Those state charges carry prison terms of up to 25 years and 20 years, respectively, according to court filings. Local jail and sheriff’s department records list Frazier as a registered sex offender, though the department’s online listing did not detail his prior conviction.
- Defendant: Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria
- Victim: Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson
- Federal charge: Murder of a federal officer
- Possible penalties: Life in prison or death
| State charges (filed 2024) | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Third-degree rape | Up to 25 years |
| Sexual battery on person with infirmities | Up to 20 years |
Local impact and context
The killing of a federal marshal during an arrest attempt is rare and has shaken law enforcement partners in central Louisiana. The U.S. Marshals Service often leads fugitive arrests and violent-offender apprehensions in coordination with local sheriff’s offices; such operations can carry high risk when suspects are armed or have failed to appear for court.
For Alexandria and Rapides Parish residents, this incident underscores tensions around court compliance and public safety: prosecutors say Frazier was already facing serious sexual-offense charges and had a trial set the same day marshals went to his home. Law enforcement officials have not released additional details about the circumstances that led to the shooting beyond the FBI affidavit.
Federal and local authorities continue to investigate. News Block will update this report as officials release more information about the investigation, charges, and any scheduled court appearances.
