Deadly shootout suspect sentenced

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A judge upheld the jury's recommendation and sentenced Dedrion Short to 83 years in prison Thursday. Short is one of three men involved in a deadly interstate shootout last year.

Short and two other men, Willie Simmons and Christopher White, kidnapped Tione Vincent and led police on a chase that ended in a crash on Interstate 64 in Chesapeake in June 2009.

During a lengthy standoff with police, Short shot and wounded off-duty police officer Sean Fleming. Fleming survived.

Officer Fleming exchanged gunfire with White who was wielding an AK-47. Court testimony revealed White killed himself sometime while the incident was unfolding.

Police later discovered kidnapping victim Tione Vincent dead in the back of the van.

Short maintained his innocence in court Thursday and told the judge he couldn't show remorse for something he didn't do. Short denied any involvement in the shootings.

"They didn't prove nothing against me," he said referring to prosecutors.  He went on to say, "Tione was a good person with a good heart. He didn't deserve what happened to him that day."

Short's family members declined to comment on Thursday's sentence as did Fleming. Vincent's wife said she was pleased.

The jury recommended a 36-year sentence for Short's co-defendant Willie Simmons. Simmons' sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 24.