Teen charged as adult for Chilhowie stabbing gets max sentence, but juvie
In July 2024, after running away from home, Jose Rodriguez brutally stabbed an Exxon gas station attendant in Chilhowie then went on the run.
According to authorities, the 15-year-old was planning to leave the country when he crashed and was apprehended in Tennessee.
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Rodriguez, now 17, was tried as an adult without a plea agreement, and was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for attempted murder.
According to Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip “Bucky” Blevins that was the maximum penalty.
“This was a savage, senseless act of violence that shook our community to its core,” said Blevins. “Attempted murder—no matter the age of the offender—is a serious crime that will not be tolerated in Smyth Cou...










