A Ridgeway man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a double homicide Tuesday, according to Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis.
The sheriff said his office received a report at approximately 12:58 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, that a man had been shot and was lying in the road in front of a residence at 267 Meeks Road in Ridgeway.
Deputies arrived to find a deceased man with multiple gunshot wounds. He was later identified as William Leroy Morey, 68.
Authorities determined that Morey had traveled to Meeks Road to check on the well-being of Mandy Coleman.
Due to the circumstances, deputies entered the home at 267 Meeks Road. Inside, they found a second deceased individual—identified as Mandy Michelle Coleman, 22—with an apparent single gunshot wound.
During the early stages of the investigation, Mandy Coleman’s husband, Joshua Corbett Coleman, was identified as the suspect in connection with the murders, according to a release.
Deputies also became concerned about the welfare of two small children believed to be living in the home with their mother.
A coordinated effort was launched to locate the children and the suspect, involving the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Rockingham County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Office, Eden (N.C.) Police Department, Virginia State Police, and Martinsville Police Department.
At approximately 2:38 p.m., a Henry County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle. Joshua Coleman was allegedly found to be armed with a handgun and an AR-15 rifle. He was taken into custody without incident. The two children were found inside the vehicle, safe and unharmed.
In addition to the murder charges, Joshua Corbett Coleman, 30, of Ridgeway, is also charged with two counts each use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and child abuse and neglect, and one count of shooting from an occupied vehicle.
“This is a heartbreaking and tragic situation that has deeply affected two families and our entire community,” Davis said. “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. I want to commend our deputies and our partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response, which led to the safe recovery of the children and the apprehension of the suspect. We are committed to seeking justice for the victims and protecting the innocent.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers program offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information related to crimes. The nature of the crime and the value of the information provided determine the amount of the reward.
