A University professor was arrested last week after she allegedly sent threatening messages to herself, drawing police away from the serial killer investigation.
According to an LSUPD incident report, officers arrested educational research professor Deidra Frazier, 8877 Comite Drive, Baker, La., on June 25 on charges of criminal mischief and terrorizing.
The report said Frazier’s husband, Michael Frazier, became combative during the arrest and refused entry into their home to officers. Michael Frazier was arrested on charges of battery of a police officer and resisting/interfering with an officer.
Both were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and released on bond.
LSUPD Capt. Mark Shaw said in November 2002, Frazier informed LSUPD of an alleged stalker going by the name “Guardian.” Frazier told officers this person was sending her letters and stalking her both on and off campus. Frazier said some letters allegedly had arrived to her office on campus.
Shaw said LSUPD began investigating Frazier’s claims and maintained ongoing contact with her. Shaw said LSUPD made every effort to ensure Frazier’s safety in the workplace.
Baton Rouge Police Cpl. Don Kelly said his department, as well as the Multi-Agency Homicide Task Force, was involved in the investigation very early on because of the presence of a serial killer in the area.
After examining computers Frazier had access to, Shaw said officers determined Frazier was sending the letters to herself.
“It appears that she was generating the Guardian letters,” Shaw said.
Frazier was charged with 16 counts of filing false police reports and one count of terrorizing.
Kelly said BRPD officers arrested Frazier on the terrorizing charge June 27 after her initial arrest.
Shaw said the terrorizing charge came because Frazier “instilled fear and panic in the general population.”
Shaw said some of Frazier’s co-workers feared for both Frazier’s safety and their own.
A receptionist at the College of Education refused to answer questions about Frazier’s arrest, saying no one in the office was commenting on the incident.
According to University Human Resources, Frazier was placed on administrative leave.
Chancellor Mark Emmert said Interim Provost Laura Lindsay informed him of the potential for a warrant against Frazier “a day or two” before her arrest.
Emmert said he initially became aware of some concerns about a week ago as the investigation unfolded.
“We will get more information next week and then determine the proper course of action,” Emmert said.