Incident
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-BD7E9FC7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Clarius gave the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harvey community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clarius.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Lee Clarius is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, 12 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Lee Clarius's cause is highlighted.
How James Lee Clarius Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Lee Clarius is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Lee Clarius was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.













