Sentenced Logan Atkins to three years in prison and one year in jail for the gang-related shooting of Lamar Anthony Waddy, then 18, in Staunton in March 2007. Atkins pleaded guilty in February to participating in gang activity, unlawful shooting while committing a felony and reckless handling of a firearm. One gunshot struck Waddy in the buttocks. Atkins is already serving a four-year sentence on two felony firearm possession convictions in Waynesboro in August 2007. He will serve the new sentence in addition to the previous and will undergo 10 years of supervised probation upon release, as outlined in a plea agreement by attorneys. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jeffrey Gaines said Atkins was uncooperative with police, but was “visibly shaken,” after the shot unintentionally struck the victim. He said he hopes the sentence will give Atkins time to mature and send a message to “self-styled gangbangers” that gang participation will bring felony charges.
The defendant’s sister spoke on his behalf, describing a troubled home life during their youth. “All we had was each other,” said Devin Hite, 30, of Staunton.
Hite added that Atkins wants only the best for his 2-year-old daughter. For more than a year, Atkins has spoken and corresponded with gang prevention coordinator Diane Kellogg of the Central Shenandoah Office on Youth, lending valuable insight into the lure of gangs, Kellogg testified. “He does not want his daughter to grow up in a community with gangs,” Kellogg told Judge Thomas H. Wood. Wood ordered Atkins have no contact with gang members upon release. Judge Humes J. Franklin, who recused himself from the case, previously rejected the same plea agreement accepted Tuesday.