Ridgeway, VA – Community in Shock After Double Homicide Claims Two Lives

Ridgeway, VA – Community in Shock After Double Homicide Claims Two Lives

RIDGEWAY, VA – The quiet, close-knit community of Ridgeway, Virginia, was rocked by a horrific double homicide on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, that left two lives tragically cut short. The victims have been identified as 68-year-old William Leroy Morey and 22-year-old Mandy Coleman, whose untimely deaths have left families, friends, and the town in shock. The suspect in the killings, Joshua Coleman, has since been arrested and has confessed to both murders, further compounding the grief and disbelief within the community.

The Tragic Events of July 22

The grim discovery occurred on the afternoon of July 22, 2025, when law enforcement officials were called to a residence in Ridgeway, a small town just outside of Martinsville in Henry County. Local authorities received a distress call from a neighbor who reported hearing disturbing sounds coming from the house, followed by a sudden silence. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the lifeless bodies of William Leroy Morey and Mandy Coleman inside the home.

According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the two victims were discovered in separate rooms of the house, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.

“We are devastated by the loss of two individuals whose lives were taken so senselessly,” said Sheriff James Carter, addressing the community after the incident. “This is a tragic day for our town, and our hearts go out to the families of both victims. We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”

The investigation into the killings quickly turned toward the family, as both victims were known to be connected to the suspect, Joshua Coleman, who was later identified as the perpetrator of the murders.

Identifying the Victims: William Leroy Morey and Mandy Coleman

• William Leroy Morey, 68 – A lifelong resident of Ridgeway, William Leroy Morey was a retired factory worker known for his hardworking nature and generous spirit. He spent his later years helping his neighbors, gardening, and volunteering at local events. Many who knew him described him as a quiet man with a heart of gold, always willing to lend a hand or offer a kind word to those in need.

“Bill was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone,” said his longtime neighbor, Lisa Granger. “He didn’t have much, but he shared what he could. It’s hard to imagine that someone could take his life, let alone in such a violent way.”

William had recently become close to Mandy Coleman, a young woman who had moved to Ridgeway to start a new chapter in her life. Though they shared no familial ties, the two had struck up a strong friendship over the past year, often seen together at the local diner or taking walks in the neighborhood.

• Mandy Coleman, 22 – Mandy Coleman was a vibrant young woman who had moved to Ridgeway with hopes of starting a new life. Originally from Martinsville, she had recently graduated from college with a degree in social work and had dreams of helping underprivileged families in the community. She had just started working as a case manager at a local non-profit organization and was praised for her dedication to making a positive impact on others.

“Mandy was full of life,” said Sarah Jenkins, a close friend of Mandy’s. “She had such big dreams. She wanted to change the world, and she was already making a difference in the lives of so many people. It’s heartbreaking that her life was taken before she had the chance to accomplish all she had planned.”

Though her life was just beginning, Mandy’s warm personality, compassionate nature, and drive to help others had already made her a beloved figure in the Ridgeway community. Her loss has left a void that will be hard to fill, especially for those who worked with her at the non-profit and who shared her vision of a better, kinder world.

Joshua Coleman: The Suspect and Confession

The investigation into the double homicide quickly led authorities to Joshua Coleman, a 24-year-old man with a criminal history and a known connection to both victims. Joshua is the cousin of Mandy Coleman, and he had been living with her at the time of the murders. William Leroy Morey was a family friend, and it is believed that the two men had known each other for several years.

Joshua Coleman was initially reported as missing following the incident, and a manhunt was launched to locate him. Authorities had reason to believe that he was involved in the killings, and they were able to track him down after several days of searching. Coleman was apprehended by the FBI and local law enforcement officers in a nearby town on Friday, July 25, 2025, after being on the run for three days.

When questioned, Joshua Coleman confessed to both murders, providing investigators with a chilling account of the events that led up to the killings.

According to police reports, Coleman claimed that an argument had broken out at the home on the afternoon of July 22. He reportedly became enraged after a dispute over personal matters with both Mandy and William. While the exact details of the argument remain unclear, Coleman allegedly told investigators that the altercation escalated, leading him to take the lives of both victims.

“He confessed to the crimes and gave us a full account of what happened that day,” said Detective Mark Reynolds of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. “It is still unclear what specifically triggered the argument, but the violence was senseless and without provocation.”

At this time, authorities have not disclosed the specific details of the argument, but they are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the murders. Joshua Coleman has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond at the Henry County Jail. His trial is expected to take place later this year.

A Grieving Community

The loss of two lives in such a violent and senseless manner has left the Ridgeway community devastated. Local residents have expressed their shock and disbelief over the murders, with many struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could unfold in their small, peaceful town.

“This is something you never expect to happen here,” said John Ferguson, a lifelong Ridgeway resident. “This town is so small, and we all know each other. It’s hard to believe something like this could happen to people you knew and cared about. Our hearts are with the families of the victims.”

A candlelight vigil was held in Ridgeway on Thursday evening, July 24, 2025, in memory of William and Mandy. The event was attended by dozens of community members who gathered to honor the victims and offer support to their families. Local churches and organizations have also come together to provide grief counseling to those affected by the tragedy.

“We are all devastated by this,” said Reverend Thomas Garrett, who led the vigil. “This is a time for our community to come together, to support each other, and to pray for those who are mourning the loss of two incredible people.”

A Call for Justice

As Joshua Coleman awaits trial, the Ridgeway community is calling for justice for the victims of this senseless crime. Many are struggling to understand how something so violent could occur in their peaceful town, where the majority of residents are close-knit and familiar with one another. The tragic deaths of William Leroy Morey and Mandy Coleman have left a lasting impact on the town, and many are now grappling with the aftermath of this horrific event.

“We won’t forget them,” said Lisa Granger, a neighbor of William Morey. “We’ll always remember the kindness they showed to everyone they met. William and Mandy were good people, and we will honor their memory by ensuring that justice is served.”

The loss of William and Mandy is not just a tragedy for their families but for the entire Ridgeway community. While the pain of their deaths will linger for years to come, their legacies will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

As Joshua Coleman faces charges for the brutal murders of William Leroy Morey and Mandy Coleman, the Ridgeway community continues to mourn and search for answers. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are preparing for funeral services and legal proceedings as they strive to find closure in the wake of this devastating tragedy.