Deputy Sheriff Milton Sean Theriot

Milton Sean Theriot

Deputy Sheriff Sean Theriot was killed during a foot chase of a 19-year-old suspect wanted for various counts of assault and battery.

The suspect jumped into the drainage canal, and Deputy Theroit followed him. The subject turned himself in approximately three hours later and stated that Deputy Theriot had drowned because he got stuck in the mud. However, there was no mud on his boots when the suspect led authorities to his body. Since Deputy Theroit's gun was missing, and he was a proficient swimmer, it is believed that the subject held him under the water.

The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Deputy Theriot's death and was sentenced to life in prison. After many appeals, the suspect pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and his sentence was reduced to 40 years. He will be eligible for parole in 2032.

Deputy Theriot was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office for one year. He is survived by his wife and two children.