An Adams County man received a 48-year sentence for attempting to murder another man with a hammer, officials said.

The court convicted 55-year-old James Silvis of attempted murder following an incident that occurred on Aug. 6 2021. He received the maximum sentencing from an Adams County judge on Friday, according to a press release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. 

A jury convicted Silvis of first-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, according to the release. 

The incident occurred between Silvis and his coworker at a mechanic shop at E. 74th Ave. and Birch St. 

Silvis approached a 33-year-old coworker, who was facing away at a computer. Silvis grabbed a hammer and flipped it around to the claw side. He struck the victim in the back of the head and then left the shop. He was later arrested, according to the district attorney.  

The victim suffered a skull fracture, brain laceration and a hemorrhage. He still experiences left-eye blindness, cognitive issues, memory loss and lack of motor skills, the district attorney’s office said.

Silvis said he had ongoing issues with the victim; the attack was unprovoked, the office said. 

“This unprovoked and brutal attack has forever altered this victim’s life” District Attorney Brian Mason said in the news release. “The defendant’s violence towards a co-worker is beyond comprehension. He justifiably must now serve a lengthy prison sentence for his crime. I’m thankful to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, my prosecution team at the DA’s Office and the jury for their thoughtful work on this case.”