PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – James Hopper III has been sentenced to almost 50 years in prison for a road rage shooting in Pittsylvania County that left a 27-year-old man dead.

A judge sentenced Hopper to 48 years in prison for the January murder of Jacob Robertson. That’s the same term recommended in June by a Pittsylvania County jury.

Hooper, 46, fatally shot Robertson in the chest and then shot him again after both cars pulled into the Circle K gas station next to Bojangles’ restaurant in Blairs.

Hooper was angry because he said Robertson had cut him off as they drove along the highway. Both men were from Lynchburg.

An off-duty Pittsylvania County sheriff’s deputy was close to the gas station when Robertson was shot. The deputy detained Hopper until back-up units arrived to assist.

Hooper was charged with first-degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a murder and possession of a firearm by a violent felon.

He was found guilty at the conclusion of a three-day trial in Chatham.