Cheriton man could spend rest of life in jail for vicious attack

By Linda Cicoira

A 68-year-old Cheriton area man could spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting in Northampton Circuit Court Monday to throwing two containers of hot bleach water on an elderly neighbor and then beating him with a weapon that was comparable to an axe handle.

Wilbert Junior Freeman Jr. pleaded guilty to August 2024 counts of malicious injury with an acidic substance, aggravated malicious wounding, and misdemeanor assault and battery. The 72 year old victim suffered burns, abrasions to the head, and several broken bones in the leg. He is hobbled, still wearing a brace, had multiple surgeries, can’t close his hand, and spent months recovering in an area nursing facility.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Jack Thornton called the offenses too awful and brutal to offer a plea bargain. The maximum sentences for the offenses totaled life plus 31 years in the state penitentiary. We must “send a message that this will not be tolerable,” Thornton said.

The victim lived in a camper travel trailer without plumbing in the neighborhood at Holland Circle. He had a roommate who lived on the other side of the trailer with whom Freeman was friends.

Thornton said the victim was squatting to defecate outside on the ground when he heard a twig snap and turned to see Freeman approaching him with the container. The prosecutor said Freeman threw the bleach mixture at him, getting it on the man’s clothing and skin. Thornton said the mixture was heated in a microwave as there was no hot water. Freeman came back a second time and threw another container full more before getting the weapon and attacking the victim while he was trying to pull up his pants, wipe his burning eyes, and get away, which he “miraculously” did.

Freeman also leveled assault charges against the victim, who has not been served because he was still recovering. Thornton said a special prosecutor would be appointed for that case.

“It’s almost like The Little Rascals from our youth,” said Defense lawyer Carl Bundick said.

“I have no clue why I acted that way,” said Freeman. “He was always at me … I apologize for what I did. I will say I’m sorry and it won’t happen again … I went too far.” Still, he called it self-defense saying the victim had ridiculed him and assaulted him many times.

Sentencing was set for July 21.