WISE, Va. (WJHL) — A man facing murder charges after a Big Stone Gap Officer was shot and killed in the line of duty in November was determined to be competent to stand trial during a virtual hearing on Wednesday in Judge Ronald K. Elkin’s courtroom.
A spokesperson with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office told News Channel 11 that a psychological evaluation deemed Michael White “has a full understanding of the criminal justice system.”
White’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, according to the Wise Circuit Court Clerk. He remains in jail in Abingdon.
The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office revealed that White is set to appear in a hearing every 60 days beginning in July, with an anticipated three-week trial anticipated in February 2023. The exact dates should be determined by the end of the week.
White still faces 13 charges, multiple of which are felonies, including aggravated murder and felony murder. He is accused of shooting Chandler while he responded to a welfare check at a vacant home on Orr Road Nov. 13.
It had been Chandler’s 29th birthday.
