William Dix

William Howard “Billy” Dix, a 34-year-old man from Halifax County, Virginia, was known as a kind and hardworking individual. He was the stepson of Geraldine Dix and the son of Howard Dix. He lived a quiet life in his community, where he was a familiar face to many who frequented the convenience store where he worked.

On the evening of Sunday, February 7, 1993, Billy Dix was on duty as a clerk at the Corner Store, a small convenience market on U.S. 501 just north of South Boston. It was a routine night until shortly before 10:00 p.m., when 19-year-old Lance Antonio Chandler Jr. and two acquaintances entered the store. Chandler, who had been drinking alcohol and using drugs, was armed with a .22-caliber pistol. His intention was to rob the store. He approached the counter and demanded money from Dix.

When Dix did not comply with the demand immediately, Chandler aimed the pistol at him and pulled the trigger, but the gun misfired. Without hesitation, Chandler pulled the trigger a second time. This time, the weapon fired a single shot that struck Dix in the face. The injury was catastrophic and proved to be fatal. After shooting Dix, Chandler and his accomplices stole a case of beer and fled the scene, leaving the mortally wounded clerk behind. Emergency services were called, but nothing could be done to save his life.

The Halifax County Sheriff's Office launched an immediate and intensive investigation into the robbery and homicide. Investigators worked quickly to identify the individuals responsible for the violent crime. Their efforts soon led them to Lance Antonio Chandler Jr., who was arrested and charged in connection with the murder of William Dix.

In December 1993, Chandler stood trial for his crimes. During the court proceedings, he admitted to shooting Dix but offered a defense that the act was not premeditated. He claimed he had not believed the gun contained live ammunition and did not intend to kill the clerk. However, the evidence presented by the prosecution painted a clear picture of a robbery that turned deadly. The jury was not swayed by Chandler's testimony and found him guilty of capital murder, robbery, and illegal use of a firearm.

Following the conviction, the court moved to the sentencing phase. Given the brutal and senseless nature of the crime, Lance Antonio Chandler Jr. was sentenced to death for the murder of William Dix. He was also given two life sentences for the robbery charges and additional time for the firearm offense. Over the next several years, Chandler pursued a series of appeals, all of which were ultimately unsuccessful in overturning his conviction or his sentence.

On August 20, 1998, five and a half years after he ended Billy Dix's life for a case of beer, Lance Antonio Chandler Jr. was executed by lethal injection at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia. He was 25 years old. When asked if he had any final words before the sentence was carried out, he replied simply, "No, sir." The case is considered closed, as the person responsible for William Dix's death was brought to justice and the sentence was carried out.