A Danville man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his roommate, a crime that shocked the community in March 2024.
Louis Sirach Garnett III, 34, was sentenced on Tuesday to 40 years in prison, with 20 years of the sentence suspended, after pleading guilty to charges of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The tragic incident occurred on March 31, 2024, when the Danville Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a residence in the 600 block of Fairhaven Circle.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Quayshawn Malik Witherspoon, 32, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Witherspoon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that the shooting followed a heated argument between Garnett and Witherspoon, who had been living together at the time. The disagreement escalated, leading to the fatal altercation.
Danville Police Chief Scott Booth expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and praised the department's efforts in bringing justice to the case. "This senseless loss of life is a tragedy for the victim's family and the community," Booth said. "We are grateful that through diligent work, this case has been resolved."
Garnett’s conviction for second-degree murder carries a potential sentence of 40 years.
However, the court decided to suspend half of the sentence, meaning Garnett will serve 20 years in prison.
At sentencing, Garnett showed little emotion and did not make a statement. The victim’s family, who attended the proceedings, expressed a mixture of sorrow and relief, stating that no sentence could bring back their loved one but that they hoped it would serve as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
The case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise when disputes escalate into violence, and officials continue to emphasize the need for intervention and conflict resolution strategies within the community.
For more information on this case or other public safety issues, the Danville Police Department can be contacted at 434-799-6510.
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