Man faces 13 charges in death of Virginia police officer
WISE COUNTY, Va. Nov 27 2021 A man suspected of killing Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler has been indicted by Wise County officials, court documents show.
According to the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System and released indictments, a Special Grand Jury has charged Michael Donivan White of Big Stone Gap with:
Aggravated Murder
Felony Murder
Possession of Schedule I/II Substances With Intent to Distribute
Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of Schedule I/II Substances
Shooting in Commission of Possession of Schedule I/II Substances
Shooting in Commission of Murder
Use of a Firearm in Commission of Aggravated Murder
Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Possession of Ammunition by a Felon
Brandishing a Firearm
Reckless Handling of Firearms
Discharging a Firearm in Public
Disorderly Conduct
According to White’s indictment, the Aggravated Murder charge alone calls for a mandatory minimum punishment of life in prison.
Virginia Governor Northam releases statement regarding the death of Big Stone Gap officer Michael Chandler, orders flags to be lowered
According to Virginia State Police (VSP), on the morning of Nov. 13 Chandler was asked to perform a welfare check on an individual in a vacant residence on Orr Street in Big Stone Gap. The report says that when Chandler arrived, he “encountered at least on individual” and was shot during the encounter.
Chandler was taken to a local hospital and was later flown to Johnson City Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. It was his 29th birthday.
Court records say White’s arraignment on unrelated charges is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Wise Circuit Courthouse.
