Man sentenced in 2020 New Iberia homicide, 2017 armed robbery

Scott Yoshonis
·2 min read

NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) — A New Iberia man will spend the next few decades in prison after being sentenced for manslaughter and attempted robbery, authorities said.

Cleveland Ayro was sentenced to 40 years at hard labor for manslaughter and 37 years at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence for attempted armed robbery. The sentences were handed down by 16th Judicial District Court Judge Curtis Sigur on Monday.

Arrest made in robbery of Church’s Texas Chicken in New Iberia

Ayro pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the homicide of Keith Jackson in New Iberia in 2020. He also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted armed robbery after trying to hold up a bar in 2017.

The maximum sentence for attempted armed robbery is 49.5 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 40 years at hard labor.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Prosecutors said Ayro walked into the Office Lounge in July 2017 wearing a ski mask and dressed all in black, pointed a rifle at the bartenders and demanded that they give him their money. Two customers wrestled Ayro to the ground, disarmed him and held him until law enforcement arrived.

Ayro was charged with attempted armed robbery in connection with that incident and made bond in November 2020. Approximately one month later, in December 2020, Keith Johnson was shot while in his vehicle, prosecutors said.

A stolen handgun that was determined to be the murder weapon was recovered near Ayro. Later forensic testing revealed that Ayro’s DNA was on the gun.

Prosecutors said Ayro has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for second degree battery, public intimidation and unauthorized use of a movable.

Latest news

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.