Jeanerette, Louisiana

From the LaFayette Daily Advertiser of August 25, 2005

St. Mary man killed after break-in

Deputies are investigating the death of a 31-year-old Jeanerette man, who was shot when he attempted to break into his ex-wife's home late Tuesday night, officials said Wednesday.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff David Naquin said Anthony Sparrow died from multiple gunshot wounds he sustained during the confrontation.

Naquin said the incident occurred shortly before midnight in the 1100 block of La. 318 in Jeanerette. Sparrow, who was armed with a gun, allegedly broke into the home and was confronted by another man, who also was armed.

"It was apparent that there was an exchange of gunfire. The guy in the house wasn't hurt," Naquin said, and neither was the ex-wife.

After the shooting, Sparrow fled to his car and drove a short distance down the road before he ran off into a ditch on Moresi Road, Naquin said. When deputies located his vehicle shortly afterward, they found him dead inside.

Naquin said the case is still under investigation but that "it certainly appears that the gentleman that was inside the house acted in self defense. I don't think there's a whole lot of question about that."

Naquin said Sparrow and his ex-wife had had domestic problems in the past and that they had both filed charges against each other.