Henry County, VA — Newly obtained details from a criminal complaint shed light on a fatal shooting that occurred Friday evening in Henry County, Virginia, on the 8880 Block of A.L. Philpott Highway. According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began after deputies received a report of an armed individual entering a residence and being shot.
Suspect Allegedly Attacked Woman Before Entering Home
The complaint states that Jessie Rumley, who reportedly arrived uninvited, confronted a woman outside the home. Witness accounts say Rumley was striking the woman on the head with a gun while the two were on the porch.
Inside the home was Travis Martin, the homeowner, who observed the violent altercation unfolding on his property. Authorities say Martin quickly retrieved a firearm after witnessing Rumley’s alleged assault.
Homeowner Fired After Rumley Entered the Home With Raised Gun
According to investigators, Rumley then entered the residence, still holding his gun. The complaint notes that Rumley had the weapon raised as he walked inside, prompting Martin to fire his own gun. The shot struck Rumley, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Rumley’s actions—arriving without permission, assaulting a woman, and entering the home with a weapon—were central to the events that led to the shooting.
Homeowner Faces Charge as a Convicted Felon
Despite acting in defense of his home, Travis Martin, the shooter, is now facing legal consequences. Investigators discovered Martin is a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm under Virginia law.
Court records show that Martin was convicted in 2000 of grand larceny and breaking and entering, restrictions that barred him from owning a gun. As a result, Martin has been charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Following his arrest, Martin was booked but later released on a $4,000 secured bond, just one day after the incident. Officials emphasized that the charge pertains solely to his illegal possession of the firearm, not the act of shooting Rumley, which remains under review.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Law enforcement officials have not announced any additional charges relating directly to the shooting itself. However, investigators continue to evaluate the full chain of events, including Rumley’s actions leading up to the fatal encounter.
The identity of the woman Rumley allegedly assaulted has not been released, and no updates have been given on her condition. Authorities have also not clarified why Rumley arrived at the residence or what led to the altercation.
The situation has raised community questions about self-defense, home protection laws, and legal restrictions placed on former felons—even in cases where they intervene during violent emergencies. Many residents in Henry County are expressing shock as more details surface, noting that the incident highlights both the dangers of domestic violence and the legal complexities surrounding firearm possession.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on this Henry County case? Do you believe former felons should face charges when using a firearm during a home-defense situation, or should exceptions exist?
Share your perspectives in the comments — your voice adds depth to this developing story.
