Back in 2012, the world became familiar with the name Jason Barnum, an American criminal who made headlines for more than just his crimes. Known as “Eyeball,” Jason stunned the court and the world with a distinctive black tattoo that covered the white part of his right eye. This unusual choice brought him notoriety as he stood trial for shooting a police officer in Anchorage, Alaska.
Jason Barnum was no stranger to a life of crime, and after his arrest, he faced the consequences. Yet, it was his eye tattoo that inadvertently propelled him to viral fame.
Alongside his sentencing, an odd rumor swirled online, claiming his father was a famous actor. We’ll set the record straight on that too.
For years, Jason lived on the fringes of society, his criminal activities finally catching up with him in September 2012.
The scene unfolded in an Anchorage hotel, where police officers surprised Barnum, prompting him to fire his weapon. This encounter ended with a police officer getting injured, Jason himself sustaining injuries, and an eventual sentence of over 20 years behind bars. Yet, it was the tattoo on his eyeball that captured public attention.
Here’s the full story.
Meet Jason “Eyeball” Barnum
On September 12, 2012, three Anchorage police officers were on the trail of a car related to burglaries and thefts when they found it in a hotel parking lot. Observing through surveillance, they spotted someone taking bags into room 209. Acting on this, officers entered, handcuffed one individual over a stolen gun, and discovered a woman making retching noises, feigning illness, in the bathroom.
But she wasn’t alone. Jason Barnum was with her and, as she exited, he opened fire on the officers, wounding Officer Dan Thyen, a veteran of 15 years, in the back. Fortunately, his injuries weren’t severe.
A tense standoff ensued, with officers withdrawing and returning fire. More police units arrived swiftly, and guests were evacuated from the hotel. The police engaged in dialogue with Barnum and eventually secured his surrender.
At a subsequent press briefing, Police Chief Mark Mew indicated that Barnum’s drug-induced state at the time was evident.
“A person randomly firing from behind a door is a rare occurrence,” Mew commented. “The officers responded appropriately, and quickly.”
The “Eyeball” Nickname: Jason’s Tattooed Eye
After being shot in his right arm, Barnum’s arrest led to a short hospital visit before he was transferred to custody. Officers discovered an array of stolen valuables in his possession, revealing that Barnum had been on a crime wave to sustain his heroin addiction. Charged with attempted murder and felony assault, his bail was set high at $500,000.
At his court appearance, when questioned about legal representation, Barnum nonchalantly agreed with a “Sure, why not.” This wasn’t his first time facing criminal charges; his history included 14 convictions, featuring serious offenses like burglary and resisting arrest.
Barnum’s chilling courtroom presence was marked by tattoos of skulls and bones on his face. Yet, the black eyeball tattoo drew global attention. During his court appearance, this feature earned him the moniker “Eyeball.”
Despite the intrigue, Barnum never revealed the tattoo’s origins or the reasoning behind it. At that time, tattooing the sclera (the white part of the eye) was a novel and controversial practice involving ink injections beneath the eye’s surface.
The Consequences of His Choices
Such a procedure carries significant risks, from infections to possible blindness. Police Chief Mew opined that Barnum seemed set on a path of hostility, expressing himself through his extreme appearance.
Barnum himself lamented his inability to find employment, citing his facial tattoos as a barrier. “On the streets, I tried to work, but my appearance held me back,” he claimed in court.
Reflecting on his life choices, Barnum partially blamed the Alaska Department of Corrections for his continued criminal behavior, citing a lack of support after his previous prison term ended in 2010.
During sentencing, he expressed remorse: “I know I’m not a nice guy, and I wish I could undo what I’ve done. I apologize to those affected.”
This case underlines that while an intimidating appearance like an eye tattoo can provoke unease, it isn’t an indicator of a person’s character. However, in Barnum’s instance, a history of crime preceded the tattoo.
22-Year Sentence for “Eyeball” Barnum
Before sentencing, Police Chief Mew expressed his views on Barnum’s situation.
“Mr. Barnum chose this appearance and has every right to it, but it reflects his attitude and actions, which are critical to consider,” Mew stated.
In 2015, Jason Barnum was convicted and sentenced to 22 years, having pleaded guilty to charges including attempted murder. Deputy District Attorney Clint Campion remarked that a greater sentence could have resulted from a trial verdict, although it would involve inherent risks.
“Taking it to trial could’ve been riskier, with no guaranteed outcome,” Campion noted.
Risks of Eye Tattoos and Fake Rumors
Dr. John A. Hovanesian, a representative from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, stresses that eyeball tattoos pose severe health threats, including potential blindness. The procedure hasn’t been medically researched, and faulty needle placement can bring dire consequences.
“Worst-case scenarios involve permanent eye damage and immense pain, sometimes necessitating removal of the eye,” Hovanesian explained.
If Barnum acquired his tattoo behind bars, the health risks are even greater, with non-sterile materials often involved, explained Dr. Kathleen Rice of Fairbanks Eye Clinic.
A peculiar rumor also surfaced, falsely linking Barnum to Hollywood star Harrison Ford as his son. Despite questionable online claims, this connection is purely fictitious, as is often the case with internet hoaxes.
Currently, it’s believed, based on social media as of 2017, that Jason “Eyeball” Barnum is serving his time at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska.
While the story of Barnum’s life is intriguing, let’s remember to verify claims to avoid spreading false information.
