A Virginia man, Douglas Wayne Cornett, was sentenced to life in prison yesterday in federal court after pleading guilty to two federal hate crime charges—each involving an attempt to kill—and a firearms violation stemming from a 2024 gas station shooting.
The conviction follows a shocking incident where Cornett stalked and shot two Latino men after confronting them about their national origin.
Prejudice Leads to Violence
According to court documents, the violence unfolded on the evening of Feb. 28, 2024, at a Sheetz gas station off Interstate 95. Cornett followed a box truck driven by a victim identified as O.G., an adult Latino male. Upon arrival, Cornett approached O.G.’s friend, J.M. (also an adult Latino male), and asked how long O.G. had been in the United States.
After learning O.G. had arrived within the last two years, Cornett immediately escalated the encounter. He drew a handgun and fired six rounds, striking O.G. three times and J.M. once.
Cornett later confessed to a Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputy that he shot the victims because of his perception of their national origin.
READ: Road Rage: Ohio Man Gets Life Sentence For Fatal Highway Shooting In Front of 4-Year-Old
Justice Department Vows Protection
The life sentence sends a strong message against hate-fueled violence.
“No one in this country should be hunted down and shot at because of who they are or where they come from,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence reflects the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities from hate-fueled violence and to hold accountable those who attack others based on prejudice.”
U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia reinforced this commitment, stating, “Today’s verdict is a welcome reminder that terror motivated by hate will not be tolerated. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and vigorously prosecute those who choose brutality and aggression over civility and reason.”
The FBI’s Richmond Field Office investigated the case with support from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. Cornett’s plea included two charges of federal hate crime involving an attempt to kill and discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence.
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