Bio & Incident Details
Age: 48
Tour: 20 years
Badge # 751
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 4/12/1985
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Executed in 1995
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Trooper Leo Whitt was shot and killed during a traffic stop on I-95 in Prince George County. The shooting occurred at approximately 9:45 pm.
The suspect had escaped from a Maryland prison-type drug treatment facility earlier that day; he had been placed there after 10 felony convictions. He stole a car and then drove to his stepfather's restaurant, where he assaulted and robbed him. He then proceeded down interstate 95 heading towards Florida, picking up a hitchhiker.
Shortly thereafter he was pulled over for a routine traffic stop by Trooper Whitt. The suspect shot Trooper Whitt twice, once in the neck and then between the eyes. He later bragged to his companion that he got away with killing a police officer.
The suspect was apprehended and convicted of Trooper Whitt's murder. He was executed in 1996.
Trooper Whitt had served with the Virginia State Police for over 20 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
