Law

Man awaits trial for slaying of Chitimacha Tribe's police officer






Officer Rick Riggenbach's name was added to the Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Artesia, New Mexico, in 2013. Photo from Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

A murder suspect is being held in a mental health ward at a prison in Louisiana as he awaits trial for the fatal shooting of a police officer from the Chitimacha Tribe.

Sergeant Frederick Albert Riggenbach, 52, was killed on January 26, 2013, while supporting fellow officers at a call near the reservation. He was allegedly murdered by Wilbert Thibodeaux, 49, who is also accused of murdering a second person and attempting to murder two officers.

Thibodeaux has reportedly been uncooperative with his own attorneys. A psychiatric evaluation occurred last week to determine whether is fit to stand trial.

Riggenbach's name was added to the Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial last year.

Get the Story:
Trial looms for mentally ill man suspected in 2 slayings (The Baton Rouge Advocate 7/20)

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Police officer for Chitimacha Tribe shot and killed on the job (1/28)

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