Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Tuesday, July 12, 1977
Add to My HeroesMerlin Eugene Brune, Jr.
Sergeant Merlin Brune was shot and killed while investigating a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of Oak Avenue in Bridge City.
The subject had gone to his estranged girlfriend's home in Westwego, caused a disturbance, and left her home with the groceries that she recently purchased. Police officers from the Westwego Police Department responded but requested that the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office follow up because the suspect was living outside their jurisdiction in Bridge City.
The subject was approached by deputies as he arrived at his home in Bridge City and retreated inside his home. As Sergeant Brune and several other officers were trying to talk the subject into coming out of his house, he opened fire through his front door, killing Sergeant Brune. The subject surrendered several minutes later.
The suspect was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Sergeant Brune was a United States Navy veteran and served with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for 12 years. Sergeant Brune was expected to receive his degree in Criminal Justice from Our Lady of Holy Cross College the same day. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 12 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to 21 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsSergeant Brune or I guess I could say Uncle Merlin as I referred to him as an eight year old who was related to him in marriage only. My stepdad was his cousin. A long time has passed but throughout the years I would think of him and that day. My Dad was in so much pain at the lost of you so it was clear that you two were close. I've told the story so many times, in fact that's what brought me here today. One of my workers had a similar story. One last note. I remember bailing one of my cousins from jail and I was looking at the photos of fallen officers on the wall. "Uncle" Merlin was front and center. God bless and I have been honored to have you in memory all these years.
Curtis Liner
Cousin in marriage only
May 24, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024
Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia
Cameron County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, TX
EOW: September 30, 2024
Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez-Vasquez
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, TX
EOW: September 28, 2024