DANVILLE, VA – A Danville man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his roommate, Quayshawn Malik Witherspoon, in March 2024. Louis Sirach Garnett III, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The incident occurred on March 31, 2024, when Danville Police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Fairhaven Circle. Upon arrival, officers found Witherspoon, 32, suffering from gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that the shooting followed a heated argument between Garnett and Witherspoon, both of whom had been living together at the time. The disagreement escalated, leading to the tragic outcome.
Danville Police Chief Scott Booth expressed condolences to the victim’s family, stating, “This senseless loss of life is a tragedy for the victim’s family and the community.”
While Garnett was sentenced to 40 years in prison, half of the sentence was suspended, meaning he will serve 20 years behind bars. At the sentencing, Garnett showed little emotion and did not make a statement.
The victim’s family, present at the trial, expressed sorrow and relief. They emphasized the need for peaceful conflict resolution and hoped the sentence would serve as a reminder of the consequences of escalating disputes into violence.
This case serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of unresolved conflict and the importance of intervention in preventing such tragedies.
For further information, the Danville Police Department can be reached at 434-799-6510.
