The Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announced today the conviction of Jose Angel Rivas-Castillo for Aggravated Malicious Wounding, Unlawful Use of a Firearm, Maliciously Discharging a Firearm inside an Occupied Dwelling.
After a four-day trial, a Loudoun County jury found Jose Angel Rivas-Castillo, 28, guilty of Aggravated Malicious Wounding, Unlawful Use of a Firearm, Maliciously Discharging a Firearm inside an Occupied Dwelling, from a January 17, 2021, shooting incident. Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Shaniqua Clark Nelson and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew J. Sweet presented the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. The jury deliberated for two hours before rendering their verdict.
“We are appreciative to our citizens and law enforcement partners who assisted in the preparation and presentation of this case. Further, we are grateful to the jury for their time, interest, and commitment to our justice system. We hope that the verdict provides the victim with a sense of justice and most importantly, safety. We continue in our commitment to assist the victim and his family with guidance and referrals for services as they deem appropriate,” said Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj.
During the trial, the Commonwealth introduced testimony by the victim and witnesses present at the incident, as well as testimony in the fields of emergency medicine and orthopedic trauma, to establish the permanency of the injuries suffered by the victim, in addition to testimony from forensic firearms and toolmark experts to explain the specificity and functionality of the firearm used to commit said crimes.
“It is rewarding to seek and obtain justice for the victim in this case. He endured a disabling injury however, his strength to push through the pain was inspiring. Thank you to Detective Reid and the Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office, for obtaining the necessary evidence to secure this conviction,” said Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew J. Sweet.
Jose Angel Rivas-Castillo will continue to be held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Scheduling of the formal sentencing will be on December 14, 2021.
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