Crime
Illegal Gun Deal Turned Robbery Led to Mass Shooting in Spotsylvania County
The suspects, identified as two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson.
A tragic shooting in Spotsylvania County has left three young men dead and resulted in criminal charges for four others—three of whom are juveniles—following what investigators say was an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of four individuals in connection with the incident.
The suspects, identified as two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, have been charged with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Unlawful Assembly.
Authorities confirmed that one of the 16-year-old suspects remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound and will be taken into custody upon his release.
According to Major Elizabeth Scott, two of the suspects are residents of Spotsylvania County and the other two are from Caroline County.
Three of the individuals are currently being held without bond.
Deputies responded to the 400 block of Olde Greenwich Circle at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
When first responders arrived, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
The three deceased victims were identified as:
- Chase Feaster, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- Alonzo Goffney, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- An unidentified 20-year-old male, whose name is being withheld pending confirmation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Three additional individuals sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed.
Investigators determined that the shooting was the result of an illegal firearm transaction that turned violent.
Major Scott praised the work of detectives in bringing swift resolution to the case and expressed gratitude to the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their support in the investigation.
“We are deeply thankful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the cooperation of the community during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time,” Scott stated.
As a precautionary measure, Fredericksburg City Public Schools operated on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, April 9.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.