CW v Juan Xavier Armstrong; 25 Years to Serve for Murder of Brother

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Juan Xavier Armstrong, age 47, pled guilty and was sentenced today on charges of Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Felon.  In accordance with a plea agreement, Circuit Court Judge James C. Lewis sentenced Armstrong to 48 years in prison with 23 years suspended, leaving 25 years to serve. 

Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proven that on April 8, 2026, Juan Armstrong was staying at his brother, Michael’s, residence in Virginia Beach.  Armstrong was downstairs with two other individuals, then he walked upstairs holding his Taurus .40 caliber handgun.  Michael was asleep in his room upstairs.   Armstrong kicked in the door to Michael’s bedroom and an altercation broke out.  Armstrong fired multiple gunshots at Michael, striking him in the arm and chest, killing him.  He then went outside holding a gun and told the two other individuals, who had left the residence after hearing multiple gunshots, to go check on Michael.  They went back inside, found Michael deceased, and called 911. 

Armstrong fled out the back door of the house but was apprehended nearby and taken into custody.  He confessed to shooting Michael.  Virginia Beach Police Department’s Forensics personnel located several bullet holes in the bedroom floor which went through the downstairs ceiling.

Armstrong has prior convictions for Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Obtaining Money by False Pretenses, Forgery, Uttering, Possession of Schedule I/II Drug, Assault and Battery of a Family Member (3 counts), DUI, and multiple violations of probation. 

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul J. Powers and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Morgan C. Milliken prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.