Death initially believed to be hit-and-run now investigated as homicide

UPDATE

The Virginia State Police identified the man as Johnny Carson Carter, 79, of Ridgeway, according to a release.

Initially, the release noted, authorities believed the man’s injuries were caused by being struck by a vehicle.

However, as the Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team and the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation-Salem Division responded and assisted with the investigation, troopers determined the injuries were not caused by a vehicle collision. Evidence indicated the incident was a homicide, the release stated.

The incident on Vista View Lane is believed to have occurred between 12:30 and 1:20 a.m.

The Virginia State Police is asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Virginia State Police at 276-403-8378 or 1-800-542-5959, or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. The public can also contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751, or 276-63-CRIME.

At 1:21 a.m. Thursday, July 17, the Martinsville-Henry County 911 Center received a call reporting a man lying in the roadway on Vista View Lane in Ridgeway, according to Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis.

The incident was initially investigated as a suspected hit-and-run. Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Virginia State Police, responded to the scene.

During the investigation, the focus shifted from a hit-and-run to a homicide.

The Virginia State Police will continue leading the investigation, with assistance from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Any additional information will be released by the Virginia State Police, Davis said, adding that agency was already immersed in the investigation because it began as a suspected hit and run.

Death initially believed to be hit-and-run now investigated as homicide

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