On September 4, 2024, at approximately 9:04 pm, the Martinsville-Henry County 911
Communication Center received a call from SOVAH Health Hospital of Martinsville, VA in reference
to an individual that had arrived at the emergency room with a gunshot wound. Deputies responded to
SOVAH Health and spoke with the victim.
The victim was identified as Julius Alfonzo Page III, 44, of Martinsville, Virginia. Mr. Page
suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Mr. Page was treated at SOVAH Health for non-life
threatening injuries and subsequently released from the hospital.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the victim Julius Page III was
walking on Lakewood Trail, in the Laurel Park area of Henry County when he came in contact with a
black male with dreads. Mr. Page advised the black male started yelling at him and then produced a
firearm and shot him in the leg.
During the investigation Deputies and Investigators were able to identify the male suspect as
Raymond Dwayne Taylor Jr, 37 years of age, of 614 Stoney Mountain Road, Axton, VA 24054. Mr.
Taylor is currently on probation for burglary in Henry County.
Raymond Dwayne Taylor Jr. has been charged with Malicious Wounding, Use of Firearm of Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon.
Anyone having information regarding this Malicious Wounding or the whereabouts of Raymond
Dewayne Taylor Jr. 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 up to $2500.00
for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information
determine the amount of reward paid.
UPDATE:
On September 5, 2024, at approximately 10:45 pm, patrol deputies from the Henry County
Sheriff’s Office went to 3681 Irisburg Road, Axton, VA, in an attempt to arrest Raymond Dwayne
Taylor Jr. Taylor had outstanding warrants from Henry County for: Malicious Wounding, Use a
firearm in the commission of a felony, and Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. While
deputies attempted to contact Taylor at the residence, they received information that he had retreated
to the basement of the home when they arrived. Deputies continued to try to contact Taylor, but he
did not acknowledge them after multiple attempts.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Taylor had barricaded himself
inside the residence, armed with a firearm, with another male subject. The Henry County Sheriff’s
Office S.W.A.T team as well as the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Crisis and Hostage Negotiations
Team was activated and responded to the location.
At approximately 12:35 am, Negotiators made continuous attempts to contact Taylor who was
still located inside of the residence. At approximately 01:33 am, Negotiators were finally able to
contact Taylor by phone. After speaking with Taylor, Negotiators successfully talked him into
surrendering to deputies. At approximately 1:37 am, Raymond Dwayne Taylor Jr. was taken into
custody by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T team without further incident in the front yard
of this residence.
Raymond Dwayne Taylor Jr. 37 years of age, of 614 Stoney Mountain Road, Martinsville
VA, was taken into custody on the following charges:
- Virginia State Code: 18.2-51 – Malicious Wounding
- Virginia State Code: 18.2-53.1 – Use of Firearm Use in the Commission of a Felony
- Virginia State Code: 18.2-308.2 – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Raymond Dwayne Taylor Jr. is being held In the Henry County Adult Detention Center under No
Bond. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the Virginia State Police for their
assistance in this incident.
