The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 8884 AL Philpott Highway in Martinsville around 7:45 p.m. on December 5, to reports of shots fired and a person who had been shot.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a small gathering was taking place at the residence when a loud knock was heard at the back door accompanied by a man yelling, according to a release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Individuals inside the residence went to the door to determine the source of the disturbance and allegedly encountered a man armed with a firearm. Individuals from inside of the residence went outside and were physically assaulted by the man. Those individuals then retreated into the residence and the uninvited man attempted to gain access to the residence when multiple shots were fired.
There was an exchange of gunfire between the uninvited guest and another individual inside of the home. The uninvited man was struck by gunfire and succumbed to his injuries. The deceased person was identified as Jessie Lee Robert Rumley, 50, of Martinsville.
Rumley was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke for an autopsy.
The incident was captured on the residence home video surveillance system and is being reviewed by investigators and the Commonwealth Attorney. The individuals inside of the residence have been cooperating with the investigation. Investigators responded and processed the scene for evidence, took witness statements, and collected physical evidence.
Currently, Travis C. Martin, 43, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact them at (276) 638-8751 or through the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). Crimestoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information related to crimes. The reward amount is based on the nature and substance of the information provided.
