Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
Michael Donivan White, a 36-year-old from South Carolina, has been sentenced to 100 years in federal prison. This decision comes after his guilty plea on eight counts connected to the murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler in November 2021 and involvement in a drug conspiracy.
White admitted guilt to several charges including causing death with a firearm during first-degree murder linked to drug trafficking, conspiring to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms under various illegal circumstances.
“Today in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Michael White was sentenced to spend the next 100 years of his life in federal prison for murdering Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler,” stated Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee. He added that although the sentence might offer some closure, it cannot bring back Officer Chandler.
Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement and holding those who harm officers accountable: "We can never bring Officer Michael Chandler back... But today's hearing helped bring some closure to his family."
Virginia State Police Interim Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Hanley also commented on the case saying, “Officer Chandler was working to make the Commonwealth a better place and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent Anthony Spotswood expressed hope that this sentencing sends a message about accountability for violent crimes against those serving communities.
The incident occurred on November 13, 2021, when Officer Chandler responded to a call at Orr Street's "red house." After approaching White's vehicle outside the residence, White fired eight shots at Officer Chandler using a Taurus 9mm pistol. Despite wearing a bulletproof vest, Officer Chandler succumbed to his injuries later that day.
White was identified as a suspect soon after and was arrested at a motel where evidence confirmed his connection to the shooting.
This case involved multiple agencies including ATF, Virginia State Police, U.S. Marshal’s Service among others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena L. Busscher and Danielle Stone led the prosecution.
