A violent encounter at a grocery store in Lafourche Parish led to the death of Deputy Thomas William Procter. On May 6, 1978, the 35-year-old deputy responded to a shoplifting call and, while preparing his report after store security had detained a female suspect, was attacked when the suspect’s boyfriend arrived. During the struggle the man overpowered Deputy Procter, took his service weapon and shot him.

Deputy Procter survived for fourteen days after the shooting but died of his wound on May 20, 1978. He had served two years with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and was the father of two daughters and a son. The shooter was later apprehended, then released and placed on probation.

Are there readers who remember Deputy Procter or the case and can share details about the investigation or the community’s response?