Jason Barnum: The Criminal with a Black Eyeball Tattoo and the Rumor That Made Headlines
When 37-year-old Jason Barnum entered a courtroom in Anchorage, Alaska, to plead guilty to shooting a police officer, it wasn’t just his crime that grabbed attention—it was his striking appearance, particularly the black tattoo that covered the white of his right eye.
Barnum quickly earned the nickname “Eyeball” and became an overnight sensation. Yet, as he began serving his lengthy prison sentence, an unexpected rumor surfaced: that he was the son of one of America’s most beloved actors.
In 2012, Barnum fired a gun at a police officer during a confrontation in his hotel room. The officers had entered the room as part of an investigation into a string of burglaries and car break-ins in southern Anchorage.
After the initial gunfire, officers retreated, returning fire as Barnum continued shooting. The scene escalated as SWAT teams arrived, and hotel guests were evacuated for safety. Fortunately, the wounded officer only sustained injuries, and Barnum was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for his actions.
Police discovered jewelry and other valuables in a backpack in the hotel room, linking Barnum to a crime spree that included car theft and home invasions to fund his heroin addiction. He faced charges of attempted murder and felony assault, with bail set at $500,000. When asked during his arraignment if he understood the charges and wanted an attorney, his nonchalant response was, “Sure, why not.”
Barnum was already well-known to authorities, with a history of 14 prior convictions. However, his heavily tattooed body—particularly his black eyeball—stole the spotlight during his court appearances. At the time, eyeball tattoos were rare and drew significant public attention.
Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew commented on Barnum’s demeanor and lifestyle:
“I think Jason Barnum decided a long time ago that his life was about being hostile to people. He seems to wake up every day wanting to do bad things to innocent folks and wants everybody to know it.”
During his trial, Barnum claimed that his tattoos made it impossible to find employment, pushing him into a life of crime.
“I was living on the streets, and I tried to get a job, but of course, my beautiful face didn’t allow me to do that,” he said in court. He also criticized the Alaska Department of Corrections for not providing adequate support after his release from prison in 2010, adding, “I tried, man. I apologize to the folks who are hurt from this.”
Before sentencing, Police Chief Mew addressed Barnum’s appearance and attitude:
“I’d like you to take a look at Mr. Barnum. He has the right to express himself this way, but we can consider a guy’s attitude and behavior when deciding his sentence.”
While Barnum now serves his sentence at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska, public fascination with “Eyeball” remains. In 2012, during his trial, a bizarre rumor emerged suggesting he was the son of Hollywood legend Harrison Ford.
The rumor gained traction after an article titled “Harrison Ford Has Pretty Much Given Up on His Son” paired the Indiana Jones star with Barnum’s story. However, it was soon debunked as completely false.
Today, Jason Barnum is remembered less for his crimes and more for his distinctive look and the strange tales that followed his case.
