FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2021
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Today in Charlottesville Circuit Court, Bryan Garrick Hatcher pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and felon in possession of a firearm.
The plea stems from an incident that took place on November 14, 2020. On that date, police responded to reports of a single shot fired on Orangedale Avenue in the City of Charlottesville. Officers at the scene found a man on the ground who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. He was later identified as Tiewan Levert Benston, 41, of Charlottesville.
A witness who had called police said she had seen a visibly intoxicated man leave the scene. That description was used to detain Hatcher, whom the witness then positively identified. Hatcher told Detectives that he had been riding in a vehicle with Benston when he could not find his wallet. He accused Benston of stealing his wallet and a physical altercation ensued during which Hatcher shot Benston one time. Mr. Hatcher is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2022, and faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Media Contacts
Joseph Platania
Commonwealth’s Attorney
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3176
platania@charlottesville.gov