A Virginia man will spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting a mother and her son during a road rage incident.
Joseph Adams, 45, was given two life sentences plus 19 years. The James City County Police shared the news, stating that the sentence was for a shooting that happened in October 2024. Court officials confirmed that Adams received a life sentence for two counts of malicious assault.
Adams admitted guilt to two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, plus five other charges related to the shooting. These included firearm charges and shooting at a car.
The incident occurred on October 5, 2024, around 3 p.m. Police responded to a call about two people shot in their car at an intersection. The shooter was later identified as Adams.
Police reports indicate that the shooting started when a car with three people turned onto a road. Adams, driving a red car, fired multiple shots into their vehicle before driving away. The victims’ car stopped nearby, where they received medical help.
Adams was caught after he fled on a ferry to Surry County. The ferry was stopped, and Adams was arrested.
One of the victims, Molly Haskin, was seriously injured after being shot in the face. Her teenage son was also shot in both arms. A third person in the car was not hurt.
Adams was initially charged with driving under the influence. Later, he faced 23 more charges, including aggravated malicious wounding, brandishing a firearm, reckless handling of a firearm, and shooting from a vehicle.
In court, Adams apologized to the victims. His lawyer mentioned that Adams struggled with alcoholism, mental illness, and substance abuse issues.
Haskin shared in court how she kept telling herself she wouldn’t die as she was flown to the hospital. Her son described the pain of being shot and seeing his mother injured.
Adams is currently in jail.
