Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Good Samaritan in Norfolk

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A 25-year-old Suffolk man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting a 23-year-old bystander who tried to intervene in a domestic dispute between Whitaker and his girlfriend in Norfolk, Virginia last year. Prosecutors said Whitaker shot and killed Miyett Antwione Little Jr. 10 times after Little approached the couple to defuse the situation, even though Little was unarmed.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that can arise when bystanders try to intervene in domestic disputes, as well as the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation training for the public. It also raises questions about gun violence, mental health, and domestic abuse issues in the Norfolk community.

The details

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on the night of January 15, 2025 outside the girlfriend's apartment on Greenleaf Drive in Norfolk. Whitaker and his girlfriend were engaged in an argument when Little, who was unarmed, approached the couple in an attempt to defuse the situation. Whitaker then pulled out a gun and shot Little 10 times, killing him. Whitaker called 911 after the shooting, identified himself as the shooter, and waited for police to arrive. He later told detectives he fired because Little walked up behind him.

• The incident occurred on the night of January 15, 2025.
• Whitaker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November 2025.
• Whitaker was sentenced to 20 years in prison on March 13, 2026.