Louisiana Incarcerated: Shelby Arabie, Model Prisoner (2012)

Shelby Arabie is serving life without parole at Angola State Penitentiary but has been recommended for parole by the state Pardon Board. The move is strongly supported by Angola warden Burl Cain. Part of the 2012 Times-Picayune series 'Louisiana Incarcerated.'

[@BAGAKOOS]

Shelby Arabie was my training instructor at an oilfield service company I used to work at in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2015. It was my first job out of college, and Shelby was by far the most intelligent and knowledgeable person I’ve ever met, including all my engineering college professors. He provides a wealth of information and taught us about electrical and instrumentation theory and particularities, as well as automotive and power generation principles. He is great at making complex subjects easy to understand for anyone, a natural teacher. Unfortunately I ended up getting laid off from that company, but I am so lucky to have been given the chance to work there just to meet and interact with Shelby. He is just an awesome human and am glad he’s out of prison and finally living his life. And Shelby if you ever read this, I still cherish my time in your class! You were the best teacher I’ve ever had.

[@holeefuk413]

Is he out now?

[@domingue4god]

I just met Shelby Arabie today for the first time. He is a very pleasant person with a wonderful positive attitude. He is a very caring person. He inspired me! The warden made the right decision!!!!

[@AussieBrasil1980]

Brian The Cajun did Shelby got out? He seems to be a pleasant person.

[@dawgpndgng2935]

Louisiana smh thee pardon board has recommended more than 400 pardons to Gov.jindal but he has only signed 36...wow unreal.

[@Bananatt]

I was incarcerated in the re entry program that he was a head mentor I was the dorm next to him. He took and completed every trade certification class that was available when he was there. (HVAC, electrical, automotive repair, collision repair, welding, generator repair/maintenance, small engine repair, and brick masonry and on top of all that he is a graduate of the New Orleans theological baptist seminary and maybe culinary and eye glasses/ lenses technician. He might even have more than that. I said all that to say this there’s dozens of great men behind those walls who would never offend again if given the chance to be free but there are some that will reoffend over and over and not care who they harm in the process. The wardens know who has changed their lives and who hasn’t. Their discipline record will reflect their behavior now should one person have the final say so on someone else’s release but the warden/ dep warden should have some input on the situation bc a parole board looking at paperwork isn’t the best way to do this. Rehabilitation comes from within if you don’t want to change then all you will be after prison is a stronger faster smarter criminal

[@wingerj1125]

It really is unbelievable how barbaric the government is in louisiana.

[@robertafierro5592]

The Model.Prisoner is a Chameleon.

[@wanderingfree149]

I love this warden. I've seen many interviews with him

[@larry4632]

So was he ever released?

[@allisonolivier6710]

He was released in 2013. I had the privilege of working with him. One of the most intelligent and interesting people you could ever hope to meet.

[@denisethompson1232]

WE'LL RELEASE HIM SET HIM FREE WARDEN

[@nikiawarlick5528]

God bless u warden

[@mariej.richard5114]

Life for second degree is awful

[@sint5990]

Still a great man today!

[@denisethompson1232]

GOOD LUCK TO YOU SIR 🙏

[@jessewallacesr1722]

Good luck son

[@ilovejesuschrist9793]

Great man I worked with in Kentucky

[@denisethompson1232]

BLESS YOU BURL CAIN THE WARDEN 🙏🙏🙏