MARION, Va. (WJHL) — A 17-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder of a gas station clerk in Chilhowie in 2024.

On Tuesday, a statement from Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip “Bucky” Blevins indicated that 17-year-old Jose Rodriguez was tried as an adult after admitting guilt in February.

The statement detailed that Rodriguez, who was regarded as a runaway during the incident, entered a Chilhowie Exxon station and managed to lure the clerk away from behind the counter. Following this, he launched an attack on the clerk from behind using a fixed-blade knife.

“This was a brutal and irrational act of violence that profoundly impacted our community,” stated Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip “Bucky” Blevins. “Attempted murder—irrespective of the perpetrator’s age—is a grave offense that Smyth County will not accept. We have an obligation to safeguard our residents and ensure violent criminals face justice. I commend the victim for displaying resilience and compassion despite such a distressing event.”

The release said the clerk survived the attack and even spoke to the court during Rodriguez’s sentencing. “In a powerful statement, he told the judge the crime had ‘wrecked his life,’ but he nonetheless chose to offer forgiveness to Rodriguez,” the release states.

Judge Jeff Campbell sentenced Rodriguez to serve 10 years in prison, but, acknowledging his age, the court ordered Rodriguez to remain in the Virginia Juvenile Justice System for two years pending further evaluation.

After that, the release said a review hearing will take place on May 20, 2027, where a court will determine whether Rodriguez will be transferred to an adult facility to serve the remainder of his sentence or continue under the juvenile justice department.

“I want to thank the Chilhowie Police Department, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their outstanding work in this case. Their professionalism and rapid response ensured this dangerous offender was apprehended without delay,” Blevins said in the release.