WISE, Va. — The man who shot Norton Police Chief James Lane has been ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison.
James Dyer Buckland, 38, of Pound, was sentenced Tuesday to two life sentences plus 11 years, following his conviction on five felony counts related to the shooting.
“I am pleased with the sentence the Court imposed in this case and believe it sends a strong message that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated,” Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Steven Davis said. “It also brings finality and closure to the victims and their family members. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication in securing justice in this case. Our community is blessed to have public servants of such caliber as Chief James Lane and Sheriff Jason McConnell, and I would like to commend their heroic efforts on May 7, 2021, in addition to the days, months, and years that have followed.”
Back in October, a Wise County jury found Buckland guilty of attempted murder, aggravated malicious wounding, using a gun to attempt to murder a police officer, using a gun to attempt to commit aggravated malicious wounding, and assault of police officer.
Chief Lane was responding to a shoplifting complaint when he encountered Buckland in the parking lot and tried to speak to him. Buckland responded by shooting Lane five times.
Lane survived the shooting and continues to work as chief today. He testified at Tuesday’s sentencing hearing and afterwards, he released a joint statement with Sheriff Jason McConnell.
“We are forever grateful for the outpouring of support from the community over the past two and a half years,” the two men said in their statement. “The sentence imposed today brings finality and closure to us and our families and continues our healing efforts. We look forward to moving forward from the events of May 7, 2021, with the trial and sentencing in this case now behind us.”
Buckland remains in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail at Duffield, awaiting transfer to the Virginia prison system.
