Attorney General Jason Miyares announced today that Michael Donivan White, 36, originally from Cross, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler. The plea was entered in Wise County Circuit Court with assistance from the Office of the Attorney General.
The incident occurred around 4:00 AM on November 13, 2021, when Officer Chandler responded to a welfare check at a residence in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Upon arrival, he encountered a vehicle outside the residence. White fired eight rounds from this vehicle, striking Officer Chandler twice. Despite being airlifted to a hospital, Officer Chandler succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Chuck Slemp, who previously served as the Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney and was the original prosecutor in the case, commented on the proceedings. White is currently being held without bond. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 21-22, 2024.