On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at approximately 12:58 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a male subject had been shot and was lying in the road in front of a residence at 267 Meeks Road in Ridgeway, Virginia. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased male victim who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was later identified as William Leroy Morey, age 68. It was discovered that William Morey had traveled to Meeks Rd., to check on the well-being of Mandy Coleman.
Due to the circumstances, deputies made entry into the residence at 267 Meeks Road. Inside the home, deputies located a second deceased individual—a female with an apparent single gunshot wound. She was identified as Mandy Michelle Coleman, 22 years old.
During the early stages of the investigation, Joshua Corbett Coleman, husband of Mandy Coleman, was identified as the suspect in connection with the murders. Deputies also became concerned for the welfare of two small children who were believed to reside in the home with their mother, Mandy Coleman.
An immediate, coordinated effort was launched to locate the children and the suspect, involving the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Virginia State Police, and the Martinsville City Police Department.
At approximately 2:38 p.m., a deputy with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle. Joshua Corbett Coleman was 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.
As a result of the investigation, Joshua Corbett Coleman has been charged with the following offenses and is currently held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.
- Two counts of First Degree Murder – Virginia Code § 18.2-32
- Two counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony – Virginia Code § 18.2-53.1
- One count of Shooting from an Occupied Vehicle – Virginia Code § 18.2-286.1
- Two counts of Child Abuse and Neglect – Virginia Code § 18.2-371.1(B)
Sheriff’s Statement:
“This is a heartbreaking and tragic situation that has deeply affected two families and our entire community. 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.”
— Sheriff Wayne Davis, Henry County Sheriff’s Office
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crime Stoppers Program offers rewards of up to $ 2,500.00 for information related to crimes. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
