In a parking lot in Richmond, Virginia, a violent encounter cut short the life of James Stephenson Lee. On February 22, 2012, in the parking area of the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veteran Administration Medical Center, a man named Cornelius I. Hayes approached Lee and a female companion. What began as a verbal dispute between Hayes and the woman quickly escalated into a fatal attack.
Hayes, who was 56 years old at the time of his sentencing, brandished a.
38-caliber revolver and fired at Lee, striking him in the shoulder. As panic ensued, Hayes briefly chased after the woman before turning his attention back to the wounded Lee. He then fired a second, fatal shot to Lee's head. The brazen act of violence in broad daylight left onlookers in shock and ended James Lee's life.
The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the FBI's Richmond Field Office and the Veteran's Administration-Office of the Inspector General. Their efforts led to the apprehension of Cornelius I. Hayes. On September 25, 2012, Hayes pleaded guilty to the use of a firearm in relation to a violent crime that resulted in a death. For the murder of James Stephenson Lee, Cornelius I. Hayes was sentenced to life in prison.
