PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – The man responsible for shooting and killing a 27-year-old will spend nearly a half-century in prison.
James Hopper will serve 48 years in prison for the murder of Jacob Robertson, according to Bryan Haskins, the commonwealth's attorney for Pittsylvania County.
Hooper was sentenced as the jury recommended.
Hooper was charged with first-degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a murder and possession of a firearm by a violent felon.
UPDATE
A man has been charged with first-degree murder after a deadly shooting at a Pittsylvania County gas station.
Authorities say James Hopper III, 46, shot and killed Jacob Robertson, 27, Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of the Kangaroo Mart located on U.S. 29 in Blairs. Both men are from Lynchburg.
An off-duty Pittsylvania County deputy was close to the gas station when the shots fired call was received around 12:20 p.m. The deputy confronted and detained Hopper until other deputies got to the scene to help.
Robertson leaves behind his parents, fiancee and an 8-year-old son.
Hooper has been charged with first-degree murder and a felony count of using a firearm in the commission of a murder and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a violent felon. He is being held at the Pittsylvania County Jail with no bond.
Authorities say this incident remains under investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY
Authorities in Pittsylvania County are investigating a possible shooting Tuesday.
Deputies with the Sheriff's Office are at the BP gas station located at 9181 U.S. 29 in Blairs, Virginia, according to dispatch.
Deputies are responding to a call for shots fired.
Stay with 10 News for updates to this breaking story.