Guilty verdict returned in armed robbery trial

An Evangeline Parish jury trial, which began Monday, September 30, ended Thursday afternoon with Isaac Thomas Jr., 25, of Ville Platte, found guilty of armed robbery, attempted manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The prosecution presented evidence that included testimony and physical evidence. Significant evidence presented at trial included the video surveillance of the crime as it was being committed. Part of the cash register from the crime scene, as well as the white “hockey” mask the defendant was wearing at the time of the robbery, were found along the getaway route. Acadiana Crime Lab matched DNA from the white “hockey” mask to the defendant, Thomas.
Testimony from two co-defendants, Jordan Harris and Johnathon Antoine, also corroborated the state’s theory of the case. (Harris is represented by Alex Chapman and Antoine is represented by Alicia Phillips-Kelly. Their trials are still pending.)
The case involved the armed robbery of a local business near the Kennedy Subdivision during which shots were fired in the direction of two employees of Angel Food Store 2.
Sentencing of the defendant is scheduled for February 20, 2014, before trial Judge Thomas Fuselier. Thomas is facing 99 years on the armed robbery conviction, 20 years for attempted manslaughter and another 20 years for felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for a total maximum sentence of 139 years.
District Attorney Trent Brignac commended the efforts of lead prosecutor Marcus Fontenot and Timmy Fontenot, who assisted, as well as his staff for their support during the trial. Brignac also extends his thanks to all the jurors selected, as well as all the other prospective jurors for their time and effort. Finally, Brignac expresses his appreciation for the time and effort put forth by the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.