Houma man gets life sentence on domestic-violence charges. He also awaits murder trial.
A Houma man convicted of domestic violence has been sentenced to life in prison after being ruled a repeat offender.
Desmond Devonte Verdin, 26, was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole, probation or early release. He had been convicted of multiple domestic-violence-related crimes in July.
State District Judge Juan Pickett of Houma also sentenced Verdin to 20 years after he was convicted of domestic abuse battery of a pregnant woman, prosecutors said.
Verdin, who is also facing murder charges in connection with a shooting in Houma on Christmas Eve 2019, was charged as a multiple offender due to his lengthy rap sheet, prosecutors said.
Related: Houma murder suspect convicted of domestic battery
He has prior felony convictions for two aggravated batteries and illegal possession of stolen things.
“Desmond Verdin is a very violent individual,” said Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Erny, who prosecuted the case. “He’s got a history of violent crimes and has already been convicted of two aggravated batteries and has pending murder charges."
Verdin’s latest conviction stems from a domestic-violence incident Oct. 15, 2019, in Houma. His pregnant girlfriend suffered severe injuries after being beaten and cut with a knife, prosecutors said.
After the victim was hospitalized, Houma Police responded and launched an investigation that led to Verdin's arrest.
Verdin is also suspected of taking part in a Dec. 24, 2019, drive-by shooting that killed 35-year-old Courtney Carter and left a 33-year-old man injured, authorities said.
Verdin’s younger brother, Torrance Verdin, 17, was convicted of the shootings in January and is also facing a mandatory life sentence.
Houma attorney Teresa King, who represented Desmond Verdin, said the evidence against her client is weak.
“Desmond Verdin was prosecuted and convicted although the alleged victim testified that, one, he never hit her, and, two, she lied to the police on the night of the incident,” King said in a previous interview.
Also: Sheriff: Christmas Eve shooting suspect turns himself in
Prosecutors said the life sentence was justified due to the defendant's history of violence.
“Today, Terrebonne Parish is safer because Desmond Verdin will be in jail for the rest of his life,” District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. said. “This is a very violent and dangerous person. Our team did a great job on this case. We will continue to pursue dangerous and violent criminals and have them removed from society.”
— Staff Writer Dan Copp can be reached at 448-7639 or at dan.copp@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanVCopp.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: Houma man convicted of domestic violence gets life sentence
