Deputy Sheriff James Lee Clarius

James Lee Clarius

Deputy James Clarius was killed while involved in a struggle with an armed robbery suspect at West Esplanade Avenue and Page Drive in Metairie.

During the struggle, the subject was able to gain control of his service weapon and shot him four times. Deputy Clarius was found in the street by a resident approximately ten minutes after the incident. He was transported to East Jefferson Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect turned himself in three days later. He was convicted of first-degree murder on April 27, 1999, and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Clarius had served with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for nine years. He is survived by his wife and two young sons.