Cop killer sent to prison for 100 years on federal charges

The convicted killer of Big Stone Gap police officer Michael Chandler was sentenced to 100 years in prison on federal charges related to the case.

According to the US Attorney’s Office in Abingdon, those violations were based on Michael White using a gun in the killing and his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking group selling drugs in Southwest Virginia.

White shot Chandler on the morning of November 13, 2021 when the officer was patrolling at a known drug house in the town. Chandler approached the getaway car that was stuck in the mud when White fired eight shots from inside hitting the officer in the abdomen and wrist. He later died at a local hospital.

“We can never bring Officer Michael Chandler back, and no sentence will ever fill the void left in the hearts of his family, friends, law enforcement community, and the Big Stone Gap community. But today’s hearing helped bring some closure to his family. Michael White will spend decades behind bars for the cold-blooded murder of a hero. We will never stop fighting for those who put their lives on the line for our safety and security. Officer Chandler, you will never be forgotten,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares in a prepared statement.

Michael White Sentenced to 100 Years on Federal Charges Related to Murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler https://t.co/WiVZo4yDD7

— U.S. Attorney WDVA (@WDVAnews) February 21, 2025

(IMAGE: Bristol Broadcasting News Archives)