As of 5:45 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, Joseph Chad Lockett has been taken into custody by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies, investigators, and tactical personnel responded to 225 Nibblett Drive after receiving information that Lockett was inside the residence. Following a brief standoff, Lockett exited the front door with his hands up and was safely taken into custody without further incident.
Joseph Chad Lockett, 40 years of age, has been charged with the following offenses:
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-32 – First-Degree Murder
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-53.1 – Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-308.2 – Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Convicted Felon
Lockett was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife, Rhonda Hairston aka: Rhonda Lockett, which occurred on October 18, 2025, at 1159 Garrett Road in Ridgeway, Virginia.
Sheriff Wayne Davis stated, “We are grateful for the assistance of our community and partner agencies in the swift apprehension of Joseph ‘Chad’ Lockett. Our prayers are with the family of our victim, Rhonda Hairston, during this difficult time.”
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.
This is the release from the HCSO on Monday, previous to Lockett’s arrest:
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 12:15 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous call requesting a welfare check at 1159 Garrett Road in Ridgeway, Virginia.
When deputies arrived, they made contact with a 17-year-old resident of the home, who advised that his mother needed help. Deputies entered the residence and located Rhonda Lockett, who was found deceased in a bedroom. Henry County Public Safety responded and confirmed that Ms. Lockett was deceased.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently throughout the weekend to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop leads in the case. Through the course of the investigation, Joseph Chad Lockett, the estranged husband of Rhonda Lockett, has been identified as the suspect in her shooting death.
As of Monday, October 20, 2025, Joseph Chad Lockett is wanted for First-Degree Murder. Lockett should be considered armed and dangerous. He is not believed to have the means to travel far beyond the local area, and law enforcement agencies throughout the region have been notified.
Anyone found to be assisting or harboring Joseph Chad Lockett may be charged with Accessory After the Fact, a felony offense.
If anyone has information regarding Lockett’s whereabouts, they are urged not to approach him, but to contact law enforcement immediately.
Sheriff Wayne Davis stated, “Our investigators have worked tirelessly since Saturday, and we will not rest until Joseph Lockett is in custody. We ask anyone with information to come forward immediately to help bring justice for Rhonda and her family.”
Anyone with information about this case or the location of Joseph Chad Lockett is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.
