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Michael Donivan White was sentenced to 100 years in prison by the Wise County Circuit Court for the first-degree murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 13, 2021, officials said.
The sentencing comes just weeks after White received another 100-year sentence from a federal court for multiple offenses tied to the officer’s murder, along with firearm charges and a major drug-trafficking conspiracy.
According to investigators, Chandler had responded to a welfare check around 4 a.m. at a home in Big Stone Gap when White ambushed him, firing eight shots and striking the officer twice.
Chandler was rushed to the hospital, where he died later that day—his 29th birthday.
White fled the scene but was captured within hours. Upon his arrest, he allegedly told officers that "he should have shot them too," according to officials.
Later, from jail, he doubled down on his lack of remorse.
"I (have) no remorse for him," he said in a recorded call. "The man (Officer Chandler) knew when he picked up the gun and the badge he could die."
Officials say White continued plotting crimes even behind bars.
Jail calls revealed his discussions about selling drugs, committing more violence, and attempting to obstruct the investigation into Chandler’s murder.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares praised the sentencing, calling it a step toward justice for Chandler and his family.
“No sentence will ever fill the void left in the hearts of his family, friends, fellow officers, and the Big Stone Gap community,” Miyares said. “Michael White will spend the rest of his years behind bars for the cold-blooded murder of a hero.”
Miyares also commended the collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement in securing White’s conviction, noting that the case underscores Virginia’s commitment to ensuring criminals who harm officers face the full weight of the law.
“My office stands firmly with law enforcement across the Commonwealth and will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that anyone who harms or kills a law enforcement officer is held fully accountable,” Miyares said.
"I am honored that my office could help secure this conviction and ensure justice for Officer Chandler."
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