Surry County Man Sentenced for Road Rage Shooting

Emergency responders attending to a road rage shooting scene.

News Summary

Joseph Adams from Surry County received a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of a road rage shooting that severely injured a mother and her son. The court imposed two consecutive life terms plus 19 years for multiple charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and firearms-related offenses. Witnesses described the dramatic incident, which has reignited discussions on road rage and public safety in the community. The victims were left traumatized, raising awareness on the impact of aggressive driving behavior.

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA — Joseph Adams, a 45-year-old resident of Surry County, was sentenced on October 20, 2024, to two consecutive life terms plus 19 years for his involvement in a road rage shooting that injured a mother and her son. The court found Adams guilty of two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, along with five additional charges, including four firearms-related offenses and malicious shooting or throwing at a train or car.

The violent incident transpired on October 5, 2024, around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Centerville Road and Monticello Avenue. Reports indicate that Adams fired multiple shots into the victims’ vehicle as it was making a turn from Centerville Road. The victims managed to stop their vehicle at the adjacent intersection of Monticello Avenue and Greensprings Plantation Drive.

Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Molly Haskin, suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot in the face. Her teenage son was also shot three times in both arms, while a third passenger in the vehicle remained unharmed. Following the shooting, Adams fled the scene and attempted to evade capture by boarding the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry heading to Surry County but was taken into custody once the ferry docked.

Initially, Adams faced a multitude of charges stemming from the shooting, including one count of driving under the influence and 23 offenses related to the attack. These charges included three counts of brandishing a firearm, five counts of reckless handling of a firearm, and five counts of shooting from a vehicle. Despite the severity of the crimes, Adams’s attorney argued for a more lenient sentence, citing mental health concerns, including his status as a “functioning alcoholic” and issues with substance abuse.

During the court proceedings, Molly Haskin provided her testimony, detailing her determination to survive the harrowing situation and concerning her son’s traumatic experience witnessing the shooting. The court took these personal testimonies into account when determining the sentencing.

As a result of the charges against him, Adams has received a lengthy prison sentence commensurate with the gravity of his actions. He is currently incarcerated at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, facing a significant time away from society due to his violent actions.

This case has sparked discussions on road rage incidents and their increasing prevalence across the nation, with many advocating for stricter penalties for those whose reckless behavior endangers others. The community is left grappling with the impact of this violent event on the lives of the victims and their families.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked anger and aggression on the road and raises awareness of the need for drivers to remain calm and controlled in stressful situations.

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STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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