GOLDSBORO, N.C. – An attorney at a prominent North Carolina law firm was allegedly shot and killed by his client on Monday in Goldsboro.
What You Need To Know
Patrick White, 42, was allegedly shot and killed by Francisco Sanchez, 46, Monday
White was an attorney at Riddle & Brantley in Goldsboro
According to a partner at the firm, White pinned Sanchez to the wall after Sanchez fired a gun
Sanchez reportedly shot and killed himself after killing White
Police responded to a report of a shooting at the Riddle & Brantley law firm on December 19 at 4:14 p.m. Police say they found two dead men inside the business with apparent gunshot wounds. Deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol also responded to the scene.
A police report from the Goldsboro Police Department identifies the victim as Patrick White, 42, and the suspect as Francisco Sanchez, 46.
Gene Riddle, a partner at the firm, says White and Sanchez did not have an argument before the shooting but rather that White pinned Sanchez to the wall after Sanchez fired a gun.
“Patrick was a true hero and that’s how he lived his life,” Riddle said.
Riddle said that Sanchez shot and killed himself after killing White.
Riddle added that the entire incident lasted less than one minute.
The law firm released the following statement on the situation: “It is with the deepest sorrow that the Riddle & Brantley family announces the sudden passing of Mr. Patrick White, attorney at law. Patrick was a skilled lawyer and a devoted, loving husband and father. His strong work ethic and dedication to excellence were coupled with genuine warmth and kindness. Patrick’s commitment to the service of others and engaging personality endeared him to all. In his passing, Patrick displayed selfless courage in the face of unprovoked senseless violence. His heroic, decisive intervention averted further tragedy. The firm sincerely appreciates the overwhelming output of love and support we have received from friends and the community. Please keep Patrick’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Goldsboro Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Riddle & Brantley is a personal injury law firm with 10 locations across North Carolina.