HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Authorities on December 6 released new details in the ongoing investigation of a fatal shooting on AL Philpott Highway, identifying both the man who died and the individual charged in the case.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the 8800 block of AL Philpott Highway around 7:45 p.m. on December 5 for reports of shots fired and a person struck.

According to investigators, a small gathering was underway at the home when a loud knock was heard at the back door, followed by a man shouting.

People inside went to the door and encountered a male subject armed with a firearm.

Several individuals stepped outside and were physically assaulted before going back into the residence.

Authorities said multiple shots were then fired as the male subject attempted to access the home’s entryway, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between him and someone inside.

The man who was shot and killed has been identified as Jessie Lee Robert Rumley, 50, of Martinsville.

Rumley’s body was transported to the medical examiner in Roanoke for an autopsy.

Investigators said the shooting was captured on home surveillance video, which is being reviewed by detectives and the commonwealth’s attorney.

The individuals inside the residence are cooperating with the investigation.

Evidence was collected at the scene, and witness statements were taken.

Travis Cyntell Martin, 43, has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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ORIGINAL STORY — December 5

HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting Friday night after a man attempted to force his way into a residence, according to Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis.

The call came in around 7:45 p.m. on December 5 for a shooting at a home on AL Philpott Highway near GW Drive.

When first responders arrived, they found one man dead at the scene.

Sheriff Davis told rbs news now the deceased man arrived at the back door “by all accounts beating loudly on the door” before trying to force his way inside, where a small gathering of six to ten people was underway.

A physical altercation followed involving at least one male and one female inside the home.

The woman received superficial head injuries.

Davis said that the confrontation escalated when “at some point he discharged his firearm and at least one individual from inside the home discharged their firearm as well resulting in shots being exchanged between the two.”

The man who lives at the residence is cooperating with investigators and is currently being interviewed.

Sheriff Davis said that “this is an isolated incident… there’s no threat to the public at this time.”

Investigators believe the shooting may have been captured on home surveillance video, which will be reviewed.

Findings will be presented to the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney to determine whether any charges are warranted.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Public Safety, and the Martinsville Police Department responded.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.