No ‘Do-Over’ For Man Who Attacked Cops
County Judge Says Naulty’s 25-Year Sentence Fits The Crime
Posted: February 20, 2013
HARRISONBURG — A Rockingham County judge refused to consider reducing the sentence of a man shot by a Harrisonburg policeman after authorities say he threatened officers with a knife.
On Nov. 20, Rockingham County Judge James Lane sentenced Jason Naulty, 37, to 50 years in prison, with 25 years suspended.
During a hearing in Rockingham County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Naulty’s defense attorney, Scott Hansen, asked Lane to consider reducing the sentence. Hansen said he wanted the court to review writings that showed Naulty’s “childish” mind.
“We’re looking at a gentleman that has received an enormous amount of time,” said Hansen. “This is a man’s life. It’s almost a death sentence.”
Commonwealth’s Attorney Marsha Garst asked the judge not to schedule a hearing to review the sentence.
“There’s no reason for a do-over,” said Garst.
The judge agreed, saying he’s already reviewed the case and the punishment fits the crime.
The Harrisonburg resident pleaded guilty Sept. 11 to one felony count of attempted capital murder of a police officer. On Dec. 2, 2011, Harrisonburg police were called to the Eastbrook Manor Apartments in the 1000 block of Old Furnace Road for a report of a “distraught and emotionally disturbed man.”
Prosecutors say Naulty, armed with a butcher knife, ran toward Harrisonburg Police Department officer Phillip Read when police arrived. He later lunged at a second Harrisonburg officer, Alex Piper, which prompted Read to fire four shots, striking Naulty three times.
At sentencing, several witnesses testified that Naulty has a long history of mental illness.
Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or pdelea@dnronline.com
On Nov. 20, Rockingham County Judge James Lane sentenced Jason Naulty, 37, to 50 years in prison, with 25 years suspended.
During a hearing in Rockingham County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Naulty’s defense attorney, Scott Hansen, asked Lane to consider reducing the sentence. Hansen said he wanted the court to review writings that showed Naulty’s “childish” mind.
“We’re looking at a gentleman that has received an enormous amount of time,” said Hansen. “This is a man’s life. It’s almost a death sentence.”
Commonwealth’s Attorney Marsha Garst asked the judge not to schedule a hearing to review the sentence.
“There’s no reason for a do-over,” said Garst.
The judge agreed, saying he’s already reviewed the case and the punishment fits the crime.
The Harrisonburg resident pleaded guilty Sept. 11 to one felony count of attempted capital murder of a police officer. On Dec. 2, 2011, Harrisonburg police were called to the Eastbrook Manor Apartments in the 1000 block of Old Furnace Road for a report of a “distraught and emotionally disturbed man.”
Prosecutors say Naulty, armed with a butcher knife, ran toward Harrisonburg Police Department officer Phillip Read when police arrived. He later lunged at a second Harrisonburg officer, Alex Piper, which prompted Read to fire four shots, striking Naulty three times.
At sentencing, several witnesses testified that Naulty has a long history of mental illness.
Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or pdelea@dnronline.com