Jury convicts Iberia man on murder charge

A New Iberia jury unanimously convicted Joshua Raved of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of domestic abuse battery on Friday, 16th Judicial District Attorney Bo Duhe announced.
Raved’s convictions stem from the shooting of Ian Jones. The incident began in the early morning hours of Feb. 20, 2018. Jones was sleeping in his apartment when the defendant awoke him by striking him with a pistol. The defendant shot Jones four times as Jones attempted to flee, Duhe said.
Jones died as a result of his wounds in the hospital exactly one month later.
After his arrest, the defendant’s confession was caught on camera at the Iberia Parish Jail when the defendant told one of the jail staff that he wished that Jones had died and that he was going to shoot him again, Duhe said.
Further, Louisiana law prohibits a person who has previously been convicted of domestic abuse battery from possessing a firearm. As the defendant had previously been convicted of domestic abuse battery—third offense, the defendant was also charged with that offense.
After a multiday trial, Raved was found guilty on both counts.
Sentencing is set before District Judge Lewis H. Pitman on Nov. 22. Second degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. For his conviction for possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of domestic abuse battery, the defendant faces a sentence of not less than one year nor more than five years with or without hard labor.
“I am very proud of Ian Jones’ family for their determination to see justice done.” Duhé said. “Also, I appreciate the jury for their commitment to listen to the evidence, deliberate the facts, and render a just verdict.”