Justin K. Nelms, then 17 years old, on April 3, 2009, participated in a drug buy in the Traverse Road area of Newport News. During the encounter, Nelms and an associate approached the vehicle in which the buy was to take place. Three men occupied the vehicle, including Cori Johnson, the driver. During the encounter, Nelms stood at the front window, and held a firearm. When the driver moved suddenly, Nelms, thinking that Johnson was “going for a gun,” shot and killed him. After the shooting, Nelms and his associate ran into an apartment. The vehicle, now carrying Johnson, rushed to Riverside Regional Hospital Emergency Room, but it was too late to save Johnson. Police quickly arrived at the scene of the crime. Several citizens, who had heard the gunfire and saw the two young men flee, alerted police to their location. Police surrounded the building in which the suspects were located. A stand-off ended with Nelms and several other young people exiting the apartment. After a trial by jury, Nelms was sentenced to serve time for four charges: involuntary manslaughter, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and under-aged possession of a firearm. In total, for the felony charges he was sentenced to 20 years with 6 years suspended, leaving 14 years active time to serve. Once released, he is ordered to be of uniform good behavior for 10 years, on penalty of having the 6 suspended years revoked. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Robin L. Farkas. Ms. Farkas prosecutes offenses involving juveniles and family members as a member of the Juvenile Team within the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
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