Prev
Incident
Detective Randy Smith was shot and killed while he and other officers attempted to serve a search warrant and arrest warrant on a man wanted for escaping from the parish jail.
The officers had received information that the suspect was in a trailer owned by the family at 213 Point Street in Mamou. When the officers arrived, the family refused to let the officers in so the officers waited at the scene while a warrant was sworn out.
Once the warrant was received Detective Smith and a second deputy attempted to enter the house, but the suspect opened fire and shot Detective Smith in the chest. Detective Smith was able to make it to a yard next door before collapsing. Other officers were unable to make it to his location because the suspect was pinning them down with gunfire. The suspect eventually came out of the home holding his gun and was shot and killed. By the time rescue personnel were able to make it to Detective Smith's location, he had died.
Detective Smith had been served with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 10-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp8tgz0mv61wp11h1frc- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Smith gave the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ville Platte community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2003, 3 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 2003, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2003, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 32. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Charles was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 6.6% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
