RICHMOND, Va. – Cornelius I. Hayes, 55, of Blackstone, Va., was charged today for the alleged murder of James S. Lee, back in February.
Hayes was charged with first degree murder, use of a firearm in relation to a violent crime causing the death of another, attempted murder, use of a firearm in relation to a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The deadly shooting took place in February, in the parking lot of McGuire Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.
Investigators say that Hayes shot and killed James S. Lee, then tried to kill another person on hospital grounds.
Court documents, allege that Hayes was seen leaving the parking lot in a blue Ford truck, which was later stopped by Virginia State Police near Route 10 and I-295.
The document alleges that officers observed a revolver in Hayes’ lap at the time of the traffic stop, and the revolver contained three spent cartridges and two live rounds.
Hayes could be eligible for the death penalty or life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.
The victim Lee was an Army veteran receiving cancer treatments.
He was struck in the head and the eye during the 7:15 a.m. shooting on the parking lot outside of the vast South Richmond facility.
He was taken to VCU Medical Center, where his family said he was put on life support but showed no brain activity.
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