On December 5, 2025, at approximately 7:45 PM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 8884 AL Philpott Highway in Martinsville for reports of shots fired and a subject who had been shot.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a small gathering was underway at the residence when a loud knock was heard at the back door, followed by a male subject yelling. Individuals inside the residence went to the door to determine the source of the disturbance and encountered a male subject armed with a firearm. Individuals from inside the residence went outside and were physically assaulted by the male. Those individuals then retreated into the residence, and the uninvited male attempted to gain access to the residence when multiple shots were fired. There was an exchange of gunfire between the uninvited guest and another individual inside the home.
The uninvited male was struck by gunfire and succumbed to his injuries. The deceased individual has been identified as Jessie Lee Robert Rumley, 50 years of age, from Martinsville. Rumley was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke for an autopsy. This incident was captured on the residence home video surveillance system and is being reviewed by investigators and the Commonwealth Attorney.
The individuals inside of the residence have been cooperating with the investigation. Investigators responded and processed the scene for evidence, took witness statements, and collected physical evidence.
Currently, Travis C. Martin, 43 years of age, has been charged with Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact them at (276) 638-8751 or through the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). Crimestoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of criminals. The reward amount is based on the nature and substance of the information provided.
