Defendant shouts at judge, prosecutor

BY KEITH EPPS

A Fairfax County man was ordered to serve more than four years in prison Tuesday in connection with a Feb. 8 chase on Interstate 95 that ended with him crashing into a state trooper’s cruiser in Fredericksburg.

Justin Marshall Wilson, 36, had already pleaded guilty to felony eluding in Fredericksburg Circuit Court.

Judge Gordon Willis sentenced Wilson to four years and two months in prison, 10 months less than the maximum penalty.

Wilson apparently didn’t appreciate the judge’s decision, at one point yelling out, “Why don’t you give me the whole five years?”

Wilson also yelled at prosecutor Travis Bird during Tuesday’s sentencing, accusing Bird of “trashing” him.

According to the evidence presented by Bird, Wilson stole a car in Prince William County on Feb. 8 and headed south on Interstate 95 at speeds of up to 120 mph.

At least four state troopers were behind Wilson at one point. Bird said Wilson “calmly” kept smoking and trying to get away.

As the pursuit neared the interstate rest area in Fredericksburg, Wilson veered toward the entrance, then jerked back onto the highway, striking a police cruiser. No one was seriously hurt.

Wilson wrecked his vehicle at that point and was taken into custody. Bird said police suspect that Wilson mistakenly thought the rest-stop entrance was an exit off the highway.

Bird asked Willis to “warehouse” Wilson for five years “for the sake of public safety.”

He said that Wilson, who has had 34 criminal convictions since he was 16, has proved he won’t obey the law, “but at least we can protect the public at least that long.”

Wilson’s criminal record includes convictions for burglary, carjacking, assaults and eight probation violations.

He is still facing sentencings for recent convictions in Prince William and Fairfax counties.

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404

kepps@freelancestar.com

Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2012/08/15/defendant-shouts-at-judge-prosecutor/