At 8:05 Sunday morning, April 17, James City County Police were dispatched to the Farm Fresh located at 115 Norge La. in reference to a shooting that just occurred. JCCPD, VA State Police, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office and JCCFD & EMS responded to the scene. The suspect was still inside the store and surrendered to the responding officers without further incident. The victim was a customer in the store and was shopping at the time of the shooting. He was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect was identified as Brian Alexander Hicks, 55 of Woodbridge, VA. He is reportedly retired from the US Air Force. He was armed with a .45 caliber handgun and had two additional loaded magazines in his pocket. The victim was identified as Gabriel Ryan Maness, 34 of Providence Forge.
Hicks was charged with 2nd degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond. Media should contact the VPRJ to obtain a mug photo.
The motive behind the shooting is not clear at this time. There is no indication that the victim knew the suspect or that there was any type of altercation between them prior to the shooting. There were other customers and employees inside the store at the time of the shooting but no one else was injured during the incident. There is no reason to believe that there were any additional suspects involved. It is believed that Hicks acted alone during this incident. The investigation continues.
Media Contact: Deputy Chief Steve Rubino, 757-592-6490, Steve.Rubino@jamescitycountyva.gov.