Patrolman Ronald Leon Duplechain

Ronald Leon Duplechain

Patrolman Ronald Duplechain was shot and killed when he attempted to intervene in a disturbance while off duty.

Patrolman Duplechain was on payphone when a fight erupted. The suspect pulled a pistol and threatened to shoot several patrons. When Patrolman Duplechain identified himself as a police officer and tried to calm the gunman, he was shot in the chest. Patrolman Duplechain returned fire and shot the suspect in the leg. Patrolman succumbed to his chest wound and died at Charity Hospital.

The suspect was charged with murder.

Patrolman Duplechain was a United States military veteran and had served with the New Orleans Police Department for four years. He was survived by his mother, father, and 11 siblings. His sister also served with the New Orleans Police Department.