Virginia Beach, VA – A man was sentenced to three life terms plus 13 years for the fatal shooting of a woman during a robbery at a Harris Teeter gas station. The defendant, Darrius Cornell White, 25, was convicted of felony murder, robbery, and firearm charges in a jury trial held in December. One of the life terms imposed by Circuit Judge James C. Lewis ensures that White is not eligible for parole, as per prosecutors.
White’s brother, Michael White, admitted his involvement in the crime and received a 50-year sentence. The incident took place on December 13, 2021, at the Harris Teeter gas station located in the Haygood Shopping Center. The victim, Annie Smith, was shot three times in the chest by Darrius White after he and his brother robbed her and her husband, Steven Smith, of their belongings.
In addition to stealing Stephen Smith’s wallet, the brothers also took the gun Annie Smith had with her in the car. The stolen Lexus used by the White brothers in the crime was identified by its owner shortly after the incident. The owner encountered the brothers sitting in the stolen vehicle at a stoplight, leading to their discovery and subsequent arrest by police.
Fingerprints belonging to both White brothers were found in the stolen car, and both individuals confessed to their involvement in the robbery and shooting during police interrogations. Annie Smith, 65, tragically lost her life at the scene of the crime. The sentencing of Darrius Cornell White to multiple life terms marks a form of justice for the senseless and violent act committed at the Harris Teeter gas station.
The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the devastating impact crimes like these have on families and communities. The White brothers’ actions not only resulted in the loss of a life but also caused irreparable harm to those left behind. The sentence handed down reflects the severity of the offenses committed and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions in society.