In the late summer evening of August 12, 2019, the life of 18-year-old James Michael Wallin was tragically cut short in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Deputies on patrol near Germanna Point Drive were drawn to the area of Matti Hill Court around 8:40 p.m. by the sounds of gunfire and screaming. Upon their arrival, they discovered Wallin in a front yard, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite their immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting revealed a violent confrontation that led to the fatal exchange of gunfire. A silver sedan carrying two individuals had arrived at the Matti Hill Court location. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Augustus A. Rhodes, who was 32 at the time, exited the car and assaulted Wallin.
This assault escalated into a shootout between Rhodes and Wallin, during which both men sustained gunshot wounds.
Following the exchange of fire, the second occupant of the sedan, identified as 39-year-old William G. McDowney, helped the injured Rhodes back into the vehicle, and they fled the scene, heading to a local hospital. Rhodes was later found at the hospital and, after receiving treatment for his injuries, was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with aggravated malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
A second arrest in the case came in early October of that year when Spotsylvania County deputies apprehended William G. McDowney. He faced charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon and grand larceny of a firearm. The investigation continued after the arrests, with authorities indicating that further charges could be forthcoming as they worked to determine the motive for the deadly encounter.
