Brian Surewood Announces ‘I’m Free!’

TEHACHAPI, Calif.—Brian Surewood, aka Brian Gilbert Barnes, used his Facebook account to announce his reported release from state prison with just two words: “I’m free!” The 49-year-old Surewood sent the message Tuesday morning, but has not posted anything since. AVN could not confirm nor deny his release with the California Correction Institute in Tehachapi, Calif., where he was serving his sentence of 11 years following a vehicular manslaughter conviction for a traffic collision that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy. Surewood and a co-defendant, Armando Ayon, were involved in an incident on Sherman Way in the West San Fernando Valley on Oct. 9, 2007. Court reports state Barnes and Ayon were seen by witnesses speeding, cutting in and out of traffic, cutting each other off and tailgating while reportedly traveling westbound toward Amestoy Avenue in Reseda. According to reports, Ayon lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a parked car where the 5-year-old was standing next to his mother, who was holding his 3-month-old sister. Both females sustained serious but non-fatal injuries. Initially charged with vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, Surewood eventually entered into a plea agreement for charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, as well as leaving the scene of an accident. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison, and the remaining counts against him were dismissed. To date, Surewood served almost 5.5 years in prison. AVN could not immediately reach Surewood nor his wife, Carmen Seguin-Barnes, for comment. Surewood entered the adult industry in 1996 and performed in more than 1,200 titles before his arrest and conviction. AVN will update the story as more information becomes available.