Eight shot, one dead in Sutherlin shooting

An early morning shooting at a party in Sutherlin has left one Danville man dead and seven others suffering from gunshot wounds.

The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. at a private residence located at 1220 Kerns Road.

Jerome Jaheim White, 20, of Danville, died at a Roanoke hospital. The cause and manner of his death is pending a report from the medical examiner's office. 

The eight victims were transported to a local hospital, which remains unnamed due to security concerns, according to Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor.

Two victims remain hospitalized with significant injuries, but are stable, said Taylor.  The remaining five suffered non-life threatening injuries.

This turns the investigation from malicious wounding to a homicide, said Taylor at a press conference held Sunday at the Sheriff's Office.

"We have multiple local and federal agencies working this shooting, to include the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office and Commonwealth's Attorney, the Virginia State Police, Danville Police Department, the FBI, the ATF and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Roanoke," he said.

When asked if he would characterize this as a mass shooting, Taylor replied," We have multiple gunshot victims and we're treating it as such."

So far, there have been no arrests in connection with this shooting and the motive is not known at this time, said Taylor. The type of gun, or guns, is not known at this time. Taylor believes there was more than one shooter.

It is unknown if they were shooting at each other at this time, said Taylor.

Investigators are combing social media and phone records to identify any of the partygoers who were there. If reading or listening to this press conference, law enforcement asks that they contact the Sheriff's Office.

"If not, we will contact them," said Taylor.

The shooting was during a party where about 100 people were in attendance and it was at a private residence. Once a motive is established and law enforcement begins compiling names, the Sheriff's Office will know more about why this happened.

"Each one of these victims will be its own separate case," said Taylor of the process once charges are filed.

"Each on of the victims will have their day in court for their injuries," said Taylor.

Taylor said it is common for witnesses at these types of incidents to not say anything to law enforcement.

"For the life of me, if I had a loved one who was at a party and was shot or hurt, if I had information, I would surely get that to the proper authorities. I can't answer why people won't cooperate," said Taylor.

Taylor also said large parties have become a common practice since COVID, but could not say if drugs or alcohol was present.

Taylor said some of the victims know one another, friends and neighbors.

"Some of them did know one another," he said, adding it is unknown at this time if it was gang-related or pre-planned.

Taylor said those that law enforcement has seen from the party were in their late teens, early 20s.

"Enjoying life, enjoying themselves, enjoying the relationships they had with their friends," said Taylor.

Taylor said these shootings are devastating to the families and his agency when they happen.

"Some people don't see to have regard for human life anymore. The respect seems to have waned away," said Taylor.

Taylor urges those with information to step forward. An email has been set up to send screenshots of social media or anonymous tips to authorities at sar@pittgov.org. Individuals can also call the Pittsylvania County CrimeStoppers at 800-791-0044 or the Sheriff's Office at 434-432-7715.