Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth's Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Matthew Rushin, age 21, formerly of the 3400 block of Stirrup Way in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was sentenced today by Circuit Court Judge Stephen C. Mahan on charges of Malicious Wounding (2 counts) and Hit and Run – Personal Injury. Judge Mahan sentenced Rushin to fifty (50) years in prison with forty (40) years suspended, leaving 10 (ten) years to serve. This was higher than the Virginia State Sentencing Guidelines' recommendation, which recommended he serve no more than six (6) years and four (4) months.
Rushin pled guilty on August 6, 2019. Had this case gone to trial, the Commonwealth's evidence would have proven that on January 4, 2019, Matthew Rushin struck another moving vehicle in a parking lot on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. Rushin did not stop, and instead fled the parking lot onto First Colonial Road, driving at a high rate of speed. This incident was captured on a store's surveillance camera.
Just moments later, Rushin was driving recklessly on First Colonial Road, passing traffic and speeding. When he reached a median break, he drove straight into oncoming traffic and stuck another vehicle head-on. It was occupied by a husband and wife who were visiting Virginia Beach from New York. He then struck a Honda Element, which was also occupied by a husband and wife. When officers arrived on scene, Rushin climbed out of his vehicle and stated that he was trying to kill himself. Investigation revealed that he was driving approximately 65 m.p.h. right before the crash and did not apply his brakes.
A total of four victims were transported to the hospital. The husband and wife in the Honda Element were treated and released later that night. The husband and wife visiting from New York suffered significant injuries. The husband's injuries were so severe that he remains in a medical facility.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys Michael D. Defricke and Craig E. Ellis prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.