22-05-2025
Man receives three life sentences after attempted murder of Lynchburg Officers in 2022
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) – The Commonwealth's Attorney in Lynchburg said a man has been given three life sentences after pleading guilty to Attempted Aggravated Murder for extreme acts of violence carried out against three police officers on New Year's Eve in 2023.
In January 2025, Johnathon D'Keith Poe pleaded guilty to three counts of Aggravated Murder, two counts of Use of a Firearm During the Attempted Commission of a Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Malicious Shooting from a Vehicle.
'Much is required of our law enforcement officers,' Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Harrison said. 'With these life sentences for Johnathon Poe, it is clear that our courts and our community reject any claim or excuse for extreme acts of violence and attempts to kill those men and women who are charged with keeping the rest of us safe.'
ORIGINAL COVERAGE | Three Lynchburg officers placed on limited duty after New Year's Eve shooting
Around 11:19 p.m. on December 31, 2022, officers with Lynchburg PD tried to pull over 29-year-old Johnathon D'Keith Poe after he nearly hit two pedestrians in a Chrysler sedan near Main Street. A pursuit ensued when Poe fled from the officers. He then crashed into a parked vehicle on Memorial Avenue before opening fire on three LPD officers, including seven-year veteran Joshua Massie, three-year veteran Raymond Shelton, and three-year veteran Michael Donellan, who then returned fire.
No officers were injured; however, Poe was hit during the exchange and received medical treatment at the scene from the officers whom, moments before, he was shooting at. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
On May 21, 2025, Poe was sentenced to three life sentences, plus an additional 10 years for shooting a vehicle, 8 years for firearm use, and two years for weapon possession by a felon.
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