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Son, who claimed at the trial that he was experiencing meth-induced psychosis during the incident where he inflicted neck wound cut to the bone on his mother and stabbed her 54 times, some of which occurred after her death, before stealing his father’s vehicle and fleeing the scene, was sentenced to 51 years in prison

According to court documents, a 37-year-old man, identified as Gabriel, who was initially charged with second-degree murder and aggravated motor vehicle theft has been sentenced to 51 years in prison for the heinous murder of his 66-year-old mother, identified as June, and subsequent theft of his father’s vehicle.

The tragic event unfolded several years ago, when deputies responded to a call at 7:40 a.m. on May 11, 2021, about a deceased individual in a home. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of June, who had suffered a horrific attack. The autopsy revealed she had been stabbed 54 times, with wounds to her torso, neck, hands, and arms. Some of the injuries, including a neck wound cut to the bone, were assessed to have likely occurred postmortem, indicating a particularly brutal attack.

Gabriel was located within an hour of the deputies’ arrival, walking toward the crime scene. This swift arrest prevented further escalation of the situation and facilitated a quick start to the subsequent investigation and legal proceedings. During the trial, Gabriel claimed he was experiencing methamphetamine-induced psychosis at the time of the murder. However, the jurors convicted him of second-degree murder and aggravated motor vehicle theft, dismissing his defense. Prosecutors described the crime as an act of “evil, pure, and simple,” underscoring the brutality and premeditation involved in June’s murder.

The DA’s Office announced that Gabriel would serve 48 years for the murder and an additional three years for stealing his father’s vehicle, used to flee the crime scene. This lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and serves as a harsh reminder of the devastating impact of substance abuse and violence. This case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic violence and substance abuse. The loss of June in such a violent manner has undoubtedly caused profound grief and raised awareness about the need for better support systems for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Donald Wolfe

Donald’s writings have appeared in HuffPost, Washington Examiner, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Virginian-Pilot, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He is the Virginian Tribune's Publisher.

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