Suspect pleads guilty to murder of BSG policeman Michael Chandler

The accused killer of Big Stone Gap officer Michael Chandler pleaded guilty in Wise County Circuit Court.

Michael White faces 40 to 100 years in prison for the November 2021 shooting. The officer had pulled up to the property known for drug activity and White fired shots from inside his vehicle. Chandler died that day.

The policeman’s wife Natasha, also a law enforcement officer, said in a statement that White’s plea brings some closure and she plans to fight to make sure White stays in prison so he cannot inflict the same hurt on another family.

“Michael’s death has left an irreplaceable void in our lives, a void that words cannot adequately describe. The pain of his absence is immeasurable, and every day without him continues to present challenges for myself, our families, and our loved ones. No process can bring Michael back to me, but today’s plea helps bring a sense of closure. I will continue to fight to ensure this murderer spends the rest of his life behind bars where he can never hurt nor devastate any other family the way he did mine,” Natasha wrote.
“I am thankful for the continuous support from the community, my family, my church family, my work family, my close friends, and the love and strength I have received from our Lord, Jesus Christ. I will be forever grateful for every agency that played a role in this case…”

White will be sentenced on August 21.

(IMAGE: Contributed photo)