A man convicted of killing a federal agent in Tucson five years ago could face life in prison when he’s sentenced in January, according to authorities. Ryan Phillip Schlesinger was found guilty of second-degree murder in the November 2018 death of Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White by a jury on Monday. This verdict comes as a significant development in the case that shook the law enforcement community.
At the time of the fatal shooting, Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White, a 41-year-old married father of four, was just four days away from his deployment in the Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel. White, along with other Marshals Service personnel, was attempting to serve a felony arrest warrant at Schlesinger’s home. It was later revealed that Schlesinger had been stalking a woman who was a Tucson police sergeant.
The incident resulted in a tense standoff between law enforcement and Schlesinger, lasting about an hour. Eventually, Schlesinger emerged from his northern Tucson home wearing body armor and was taken into custody. The trial brought forward 13 charges against Schlesinger, including murder and assault on a federal officer, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty in this case, but they withdrew the motion in August 2022. The upcoming sentencing in January will determine whether Schlesinger will face a possible life sentence for his actions.
This verdict serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The loss of Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White has left a lasting impact on his family, colleagues, and the community. The sentencing in January will be a crucial moment in seeking justice for his untimely death.
