Who was Patrick White? North Carolina lawyer, 42, killed by client in murder-suicide at Goldsboro law firm
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA: A North Carolina lawyer was killed by a client in a Goldsboro law office on Tuesday, December 20. In an apparent murder-suicide, Patrick White, 42, was shot dead at the office of the Riddle & Brantley Law firm in the 600 block of North Spence Avenue, said the Goldsboro police.
The deaths resulted from a fiery argument between White and his client Francisco Sanchez on December 19 where the suspect shot the lawyer at first and then fired the gun at himself. The incident took place at the office of Riddle & Brantley, a personal injury law firm with 10 locations throughout eastern North Carolina.
READ MORE
Harry Styles and Gucci slammed for 'creepy' ad featuring toddler bed weeks after Balenciaga scandal
Who was Patrick White?
Patrick White was a personal injury law practitioner working with Riddle & Brantley, LLP in Goldsboro. The official page of the law firm mentions that White began his legal practice in 2005. He has worked on various types of personal injury law over the years and handled other cases involving motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, slip-and-falls, as well as insurance disputes, and construction claims.
“I enjoy meeting my clients and guiding them through what may be one of the scariest and confusing times in their life. It’s an honor and a privilege helping them get the justice and compensation they deserve,” says a quote by White.
According to the New York Post, cops were called to the law firms at 601 North Spence Avenue in Goldsboro around 4.15pm and found two men killed from gunshot injuries.
Sanchez and his wife, who were the deceased lawyer's clients, reached the office at around 9.30 am. "No signs of anything negative were seen through the afternoon, a lunch was even ordered for both the clients and attorneys," said Gene Riddle, a managing partner at the firm, reports CBS 17.
Following the discussion of their case, the couple asked for a private moment. White, Riddle, and a mediator left the two in the room and there was no indication of a hostile approach or issue. Later, Riddle said that the client then came toward the lawyer's quarters and heard a loud gunshot sound and glass breaking.
As per the CBS 17 report, Riddle said that at the time when the first shot was fired, White was closer to the client, and Riddle mentioned that the shooter aimed at him and fired the gun twice. “There was no way I wouldn’t get shot. But I didn’t,” he said.
Recounting the horrific scene where White yelled at Sanchez, calling his name, asking him to stop shooting, and then pushing him against the wall, Riddle said, “I want to share the heroic actions of Mr. White.” It was the second shot that took White's life. Riddle said that after shooting White, Sanchez went to the reception area and a gunshot was heard and the shooter was found dead.
Referring to White as "family", Riddle stated that the lawyer “sacrificed himself” and that “Patrick was saving us.” Flowers were laid outside the law office and a vigil was planned at noon on December 20. The Raleigh lawyer is survived by his wife, Molly, and their two children.