Frederick Riggenbach
2013
Frederick Albert Riggenbach served the U.S. Navy for 2 years. Frederick also served in the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Location: Louisiana
Weapon: Shotgun
Offender: Declared insane
Sergeant Rick Riggenbach was shot and killed after he and two St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office deputies responded to reports of a mobile home fire and an armed subject on Flatown Road, near Charenton, shortly after 9:00 am. The fire was reported just off of tribal land about one-quarter mile from a Chitimacha-owned casino.
When Sergeant Riggenbach arrived at the scene, the subject shot him with a shotgun, fatally wounding him. The subject then opened fire on the two St. Mary Parish deputies as they arrived at the scene moments later. Both deputies were critically wounded. The subject, who was also wounded at some point during the incident, was taken into custody by responding officers and transported to a local hospital.
After the house fire was extinguished, the body of its owner was discovered in the debris. The subject who started the fire was a neighbor with a history of mental illness.
On November 26, 2014, the suspect, 49, was declared insane and committed to a mental institution.
Sergeant Riggenbach was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Chitimacha Tribal Police Department for 4-1/2 years. He had previously served 10-1/2 years with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office.
Weapon: Shotgun
Offender: Declared insane
Sergeant Rick Riggenbach was shot and killed after he and two St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office deputies responded to reports of a mobile home fire and an armed subject on Flatown Road, near Charenton, shortly after 9:00 am. The fire was reported just off of tribal land about one-quarter mile from a Chitimacha-owned casino.
When Sergeant Riggenbach arrived at the scene, the subject shot him with a shotgun, fatally wounding him. The subject then opened fire on the two St. Mary Parish deputies as they arrived at the scene moments later. Both deputies were critically wounded. The subject, who was also wounded at some point during the incident, was taken into custody by responding officers and transported to a local hospital.
After the house fire was extinguished, the body of its owner was discovered in the debris. The subject who started the fire was a neighbor with a history of mental illness.
On November 26, 2014, the suspect, 49, was declared insane and committed to a mental institution.
Sergeant Riggenbach was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Chitimacha Tribal Police Department for 4-1/2 years. He had previously served 10-1/2 years with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, three daughters, and grandchildren.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1979 – 1981
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Chitimacha Tribal Police Department
Sergeant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnsqb4p8v1e79d52kcha
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Frederick. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Frederick.
Leave a Tribute