Commonwealth v. Darrius Cornell White; Jury Convicts Man of Aggravated Murder, Related Charges for Killing Woman at Gas Station

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Darrius Cornell White, 24 years old, formerly of the 3000 block of Welcome Road in Chesapeake, Virginia, was found guilty by a jury for charges of Aggravated Murder, Robbery Causing Death (2 counts), and Use of Firearm (3 counts). Circuit Court Judge James C. Lewis, who presided over the two-day jury trial, will sentence White on Feb. 15, 2024.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that on December 13, 2021, Annie Smith and her husband visited family, ran some errands, and stopped for gas near their home at the Harris Teeter in Haygood Shopping Center. As Smith’s husband pumped gas, brothers Michael and Darrius White pulled in near the Smiths. Michael White, whose face was covered with a bandana, jumped out of the vehicle and robbed Smith’s husband at gunpoint. Michael White returned to his vehicle and then again approached Mr. Smith and demanded property. Mr. Smith told Michael White that he gave up everything he had. Michael White then returned to his vehicle. Darrius White took the gun, exited the driver’s seat, and approached Mr. Smith and demanded property a third time. Darrius White forced Mr. Smith out of the vehicle, demanded property from Annie Smith, and then shot her three times in the chest. The Whites fled the scene, taking with them a firearm that Annie Smith legally possessed and had concealed in her vehicle. Annie Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Whites were driving in a vehicle they had stolen earlier that day in Chesapeake. Police had a description of the suspects and the vehicle used in the murder. Shortly after the murder, the vehicle’s owner spotted them driving his stolen car. The Whites fled and police arrived to process the stolen vehicle for evidence. Michael White’s fingerprints were all over the vehicle. Around midnight on December 15, 2021, the Whites showed up at the hospital claiming to be suicidal. In an interview with police, he confessed to his involvement in the murder of Annie Smith.

Michael White pled guilty to charges of First Degree Murder, Robbery Causing Death (2 counts), Use of a Firearm (3 counts), and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon. He will be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2023.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Janeé D. Joslin and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon C. Emery prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.