A Norfolk man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after fatally shooting a bystander who tried to step in during an argument earlier this year.
Lamont Charles Whitaker, 25, admitted Thursday to shooting 23-year-old Miyett Antwione Little Jr. ten times on Jan. 15, 2025. The confrontation unfolded just outside an apartment complex on Green Leaf Drive after Whitaker and his girlfriend got into an argument on their way home from dinner and a trip to the shooting range.
It was close to 11 p.m. when the couple pulled into the apartment complex. Their argument, which started in the car, continued as they approached the apartment door. Mr. Little, who happened to be walking nearby, overheard the dispute and stepped onto the grass to intervene.
According to prosecutors, after a short exchange of words, Whitaker pulled a gun and shot Little repeatedly—emptying the weapon and killing him on the spot. Little was unarmed.
Whitaker then called 911, told dispatchers he was the shooter, and waited for police. In a recorded interview with detectives, he claimed Little had come up behind him, which prompted him to shoot. Investigators say that claim doesn’t hold up—Little never posed a threat.
On Thursday, Whitaker entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for the Commonwealth dropping an additional firearm charge. The deal allows for a potential prison sentence of up to 21 years and 4 months—the high end of state guidelines for the crime. Judge Joseph C. Lindsey accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2026.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi made it clear where he stands: “Mr. Little did what any responsible citizen would do: try to help diffuse an argument,” Fatehi said. “Rather than react reasonably, Mr. Whitaker shot and killed Mr. Little with no legal justification.”
Fatehi said his office would seek a prison sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime.