Ridgeway, Virginia — A husband is facing multiple murder charges after allegedly killing his wife and a man she was reportedly involved with, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the community. The couple’s two young children were present during the tragic events but were unharmed.
Authorities were called to the scene shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, responding to a report of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers found 68-year-old William Leroy Morey dead from gunshot wounds in the street. Investigators later discovered the body of 22-year-old Mandy Coleman inside their home, also with a gunshot wound.
Officials quickly identified her husband, 30-year-old Joshua Corbett Coleman, as a suspect. He was apprehended around 2:40 p.m. during a traffic stop, where police discovered the children in the vehicle and noted that they were safe. Coleman was found to be armed with both a handgun and an AR-15 rifle.
According to a criminal complaint, Coleman confessed to the shootings, stating that a heated argument over infidelity led to his wife’s death. After the confrontation, he admitted to retrieving a firearm from their home and fatally shooting her. Following the incident, he took their children with him.
Coleman’s subsequent actions reportedly stemmed from a belief that he would be arrested. He sought out Morey, a man he intended to kill due to his relationship with his wife. After failing to locate him at home, Coleman returned to find Morey outside, where he then shot him.
The exact nature of the relationship between Morey and the Coleman family remains unclear as the investigation continues. Coleman is currently held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.
He faces charges including two counts of first-degree murder and multiple firearm offenses. Authorities are also investigating potential child abuse claims stemming from the incident. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information related to the case.
Sheriff Wayne Davis described the situation as “heartbreaking and tragic,” expressing condolences to the victims’ families and emphasizing the impact on the community. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and justice in a deeply unsettling situation.