A 23-year-old Houma man who shot a cashier during an armed robbery in late 2016 was sentenced to 35 years in prison today after pleading guilty to attempted murder.
On the night of Dec. 12, 2016, Jasi Barabin, of Last Street, walked into the Chevron Jubilee at La. 311 and Lafayette Street with a handgun, demanded money and shot cashier Terry Leblanc in the face when he got it, authorities said.
Officers responded to the scene shortly before midnight and found the 35-year-old victim lying behind the counter. The wounds Leblanc suffered during the robbery left him paralyzed, prosecutors said.
“Jasi Barabin committed an atrocious and heinous act when he first robbed Terry Leblanc at gunpoint and then, for no reason, shot Mr. Leblanc in the face,” said Assistant District Attorney Chris Erny, who prosecuted the case. “If not for the quick actions of the Houma Police Department and Acadian Ambulance, there is little doubt that Mr. Leblanc would not be here today.”
Investigators eventually developed Barabin as a suspect after viewing video surveillance and interviewing several witnesses, Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman said. They arrested him Dec. 14, 2016, at a home on Roussell Street where he was staying.
Bararbin was charged with attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to the attempted first-degree murder charge, and District Judge Juan Pickett handed down the 35-year sentence.
Accompanied by his Houma attorney Teresa King, Barabin had nothing to say on his behalf but received words of advice from Pickett.
“You’re a young guy. You can either do the time and not become a better person or use the time to improve yourself when you’re there,” Pickett said. “The person in that gas station that night looked like a scary guy. That doesn’t look like you now. Hopefully you can use the time to get rid of that other person.”
Both the District Attorney’s Office and victims were satisfied with the outcome, Erny said.
“Jasi Barabin finally took responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty, and the judge sentenced him to 35 years without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence,” Erny said. “Mr. Leblanc and his family were aware of the plea agreement and were satisfied that justice was served. Our prayers go out to Mr. Leblanc and his family as he will have to endure his severe injuries and paralysis for the rest of his life.”
--Staff Writer Dan Copp can be reached at 857-2202 or at dan.copp@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter@DanVCopp.