EDGARD — A LaPlace man is facing a quarter century in prison after pleading guilty to the stabbing death of a local man nearly a year ago.

St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney Bridget Dinvaut’s office said Carlos Parrilla, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday to manslaughter following the death of Jose Juan Rivera, 52.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre previously told L’OBSERVATEUR video surveillance captured what appeared to be the build up and aftermath of Rivera’s violent killing Dec. 2, 2014.

The actual killing, however, was not captured on tape, Tregre said.

Local deputies began their investigation after responding to the 100 block of Montegut Avenue in LaPlace following the report of a bleeding man. Deputies found the man not breathing with an apparent stab wound in the chest.

The victim — identified as Rivera, who lived in the 100 block of Montegut Avenue — was pronounced dead on the scene, which is a mobile home park.

Tregre said video surveillance taken from a nearby business shows a male subject and Rivera talking to each other before the fatal stabbing. Tregre said the actual attack occurred a few moments later, but the video footage does not catch it. However, “just after you can see the male subject running from the scene,” Tregre added.

Dinvaut’s office said Parrilla was arrested (March 6) after detectives developed him as the lead suspect from the video footage of both men walking near the crime scene just before the fatal stabbing.

“There was excellent investigative work,” Dinvaut said. “We actually received a full confession from the defendant. The prosecution team did an excellent job in presenting the evidence. Manslaughter is 0 to 40 years — 25 years for this particular case is an absolutely excellent decision. It’s a good administration of justice. That is what we try to do in our office.”

Parrila was sentenced to 25 years with the Department of Corrections for manslaughter. According to the D.A.’s office, Parrila was sentenced without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

Assistant District Attorney J. Philip Prescott Jr. was the lead prosecutor and was assisted by Assistant District Attorney Leandre Millet.

Public Defender’s Office Attorney Matthew Whitworth represented Parrilla, and Judge Mary Hotard Becnel presided over the case.

“Felony cases mean trials, and trials cost money,” Dinvaut said. “Especially very serious felony cases, you’re looking at going through the entire justice process, picking a jury, the time put into preparing that case, you’re looking at spending anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000 in resources. St. John the Baptist Parish or no other jurisdiction could handle going to trial on every felony case. Whenever you go to a jury, you are always taking a chance. You never know how the jury is going to come back.”

Dinvaut said she wants St. John residents to know that her office is working prosecute violent crimes.