By Corrections1 Staff
NEWPORT, Va. — A man was convicted of severely wounding an off-duty corrections officer in a 2017 shooting and jurors have recommended he get 20 years behind bars.
Ronzel Dixie, 26, was accused of shooting corrections officer Jaison Brooks eight times on Nov. 8, 2017, the Daily Press reports. Dixie approached Brooks, who was sitting in his parked vehicle, and asked to use his cellphone. Brooks initially refused, but eventually began to dial the requested number. That’s when Dixie opened fire, continuing to shoot Brooks even after the officer fell to the ground.
Brooks’ initial wounds were life-threatening. He continues his recovery but has limited usage and reduced strength in his arms and fingers. He’s currently on light duty after being out of work for nine months, and it’s unclear if he will ever be able to return to full duty.
The jury found Dixie guilty of aggravated malicious wounding. The judge will sentence him on June 7.