Husband Charged After Two Found Deceased, Extensive Manhunt Leads to Arrest
A quiet Virginia community was shattered this week by a tragic double homicide that has left two families grieving and the community in shock.
Authorities have arrested Joshua Corbett Coleman, 22, of Ridgeway, in connection with the murders of William Leroy Morey, 68, and Mandy Michelle Coleman, 22, who was Joshua Coleman’s wife. Two young children, believed to be the couple’s, were found safe and unharmed in the suspect’s vehicle following a multi-agency manhunt.
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The incident unfolded on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, when the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report at approximately 12:58 p.m. of a male subject shot and lying in the road in front of a residence at 267 Meeks Road. Responding deputies discovered the deceased victim, later identified as William Leroy Morey, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. It was determined that Morey had traveled to the residence to check on the well-being of Mandy Coleman.
Due to the circumstances surrounding Morey’s death, deputies made entry into the home at 267 Meeks Road. Inside, they made the grim discovery of a second deceased individual, Mandy Michelle Coleman, who appeared to have suffered a single gunshot wound.
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During the early stages of the investigation, Joshua Corbett Coleman was quickly identified as the suspect. Authorities immediately became concerned for the welfare of two small children believed to reside at the home with their mother, Mandy Coleman.
An urgent and coordinated search effort was launched involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Eden Police Department, Virginia State Police, and the Martinsville City Police Department.
The swift collaboration paid off. At approximately 2:38 p.m., a deputy with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office successfully conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle. Joshua Corbett Coleman was apprehended without incident, found to be armed with both a handgun and an AR-15 rifle. Crucially, the two children were located inside the vehicle, safe and unharmed, bringing immense relief to the concerned community.
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Sheriff Wayne Davis of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office addressed the tragedy, stating, “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.”
Sheriff Davis commended the rapid response and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved. “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.”
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Joshua Corbett Coleman has been charged with two counts of First Degree Murder, two counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, one count of Shooting from an Occupied Vehicle, and two counts of Child Abuse and Neglect. He is currently being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact them 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.
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