On the evening of August 12, 2019, 18-year-old James Michael Wallin was found in a Spotsylvania County front yard near Matti Hill Court suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies responding to reports of gunfire and screaming arrived about 8:40 p.m.; Wallin was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts.

Investigators say a silver sedan with two occupants arrived at the location. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Augustus A. Rhodes, allegedly exited the vehicle and assaulted Wallin, and the confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire in which both men were shot. Rhodes later went to a local hospital and was taken into custody after treatment; he was charged with aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The second occupant, 39-year-old William G. McDowney, was arrested in October and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon and grand larceny of a firearm.

Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be possible. If anyone was in the Matti Hill Court or Germanna Point Drive area that night or has information about what led to the confrontation, please come forward.