After Jacob "Alex" Meadows smirked at the family of the high school student he shot dead in 2018, the judge revoked his bond, held him in contempt, and ordered that he be jailed until his sentencing in October.
The shooter was having a plea hearing when the incident happened.
What Really Happened?
On July 11, 23-year-old Meadows admitted he was guilty of manslaughter and drug charges. He had shot dead Christopher Ross, a student at Ocean Lakes High School student.
The deadly shooting happened during a drug deal. The prosecutors said they would drop murder and gun charges against him and not seek a prison term of more than seven years if he pleaded guilty.
Circuit Court Judge Steven Frucci claimed that Meadows smirked at his victim's family and moved toward them during the plea hearing. This upset the judge.
Robert, Christopher Ross' older brother, gave his testimony during the case.
Additionally, other family members were with him outside the courtroom when Meadows passed by them in the hallway.
Robert said that Meadows smirked as he got close to them, and he got angry and accused him of "walking up" on him. His family had to grab him and pull him away.
The shooter was out on bond for the last two and a half years until his sentencing. When he left the court, he said he was glad he could head home and spend time with his daughter.
He also said his intention was not to be disrespectful toward Ross' family.
The Juge Had Plenty To Say To Meadows
The judge admitted that Meadows did smirk in the video taken in the hallway. He also said that he moved toward Ross and described his actions as "abhorrent" and "calculated."
Frucci also pointed out that he had a "hard time" accepting the plea deal and recused himself from presiding over his sentencing. The judge had presided over the plea deal hearing.
When a new judge presides over the sentencing, the plea deal might be rejected.
Christopher Ross had gone to buy a quarter-pound of marijuana for $400 in Virginia Beach. He was buying the drugs from a teen who lived there, and Meadows was providing the marijuana to the teen.
Meadows was also there when Ross got there. Ross lifted his shirt to show his gun, took the marijuana, and ran away.
Meadows was also armed, and he chased Ross while firing several shots, five of which hit Ross and killed him.
