Lafitte Woman, 62, Identified as Linda Rae Thibodeaux, Shot by Jefferson Parish Deputies in Marrero Standoff
MARRERO, La. — A tense and alarming incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Marrero as Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies shot a 62-year-old woman multiple times following a confrontation that authorities say involved a firearm. The woman, a resident of Lafitte, was critically wounded in the encounter and remains hospitalized.
The Incident
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 2:15 p.m. to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 7300 block of the Westbank Expressway. The vehicle, described as a pickup truck, had previously been flagged, prompting officers to investigate further.
Upon arrival, deputies located the truck parked near a commercial strip. Inside, they found the 62-year-old woman, whose name has not yet been released. Authorities say deputies attempted to communicate with the woman and instructed her to exit the vehicle.
However, the situation quickly escalated.
Confrontation Captured on Video
A bystander video obtained by local media outlets captured the tense moments leading up to the shooting. In the video, the woman is seen sitting inside the truck, visibly holding what appears to be a firearm and pointing it in the direction of deputies positioned outside.
Despite commands to disarm, the woman reportedly stepped out of the truck with her hands raised, then began to walk toward the rear of the vehicle. As she neared the back, authorities allege she raised the firearm once again, prompting deputies to discharge their weapons.
The footage, which has been partially blurred and paused before the gunfire, shows deputies quickly surrounding the woman after she collapses to the ground.
Multiple Shots Fired
JPSO confirmed that two deputies opened fire, striking the woman multiple times. Emergency medical services responded to the scene, and she was transported to a local hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment. Her current medical condition has not been made public, though officials have said her injuries were severe.
Once medically cleared, the woman is expected to face charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer, a felony offense in Louisiana.
Body Camera and Surveillance Footage Under Review
In addition to the bystander video, the incident was captured on body-worn cameras worn by responding deputies, as well as on surveillance footage from a nearby business. Investigators are currently reviewing all video evidence as part of an ongoing internal investigation.
JPSO has not yet released the body cam footage to the public but indicated that it may be shared once the investigation reaches a certain stage.
Sheriff Joseph Lopinto issued a brief statement late Wednesday, saying, “We are conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident. While it’s always unfortunate when a situation escalates to violence, our deputies are trained to respond to imminent threats. Based on preliminary evidence, our deputies acted in accordance with their training.”
Community Response and Call for Transparency
News of the shooting quickly spread through the community, prompting mixed reactions. Some residents have expressed concern over the use of lethal force, especially given the woman’s age, while others emphasized the danger law enforcement faces when weapons are involved.
Civil rights advocates have called for a transparent investigation and the release of full body cam footage to ensure public accountability.
“This is a serious incident involving a civilian who is now critically injured,” said local activist Tasha Mendez. “We need to see the full context of what happened before we make judgments, but there must be transparency from law enforcement every step of the way.”
What’s Next
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the shooting. As standard procedure, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional video footage to come forward. Witnesses are asked to call the JPSO Investigations Bureau at 504-364-5300.
Further details about the woman’s identity, her medical condition, and the results of the internal investigation are expected to be released in the coming days.
Developing Story — Check back for updates.