They were a young mother and a Vietnam-era veteran, two lives taken in a moment of violence that has shaken a Henry County community to its core. Now, as loved ones prepare for funerals, they’re left grappling with the painful aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy.
Two people are dead and a suspect is in custody following a double homicide on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Henry County, Virginia. Authorities have called the incident a deeply tragic and senseless act of violence.
Mindy Coleman photographed using a filter, from a post dated July 27, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ CarolynWallerMize
According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, 68-year-old William “Bill” Leroy Morey and 22-year-old Mandy Coleman were reportedly found dead at a home on Meeks Road in Ridgeway.
Investigators reportedly believe Mandy’s husband, 28-year-old Joshua Corbett Coleman, fatally shot both victims. Deputies were reported to have responded to the residence shortly before 1 p.m. after receiving a report about a man lying in the road.
Mindy Coleman sticking out her tongue, from a post dated July 27, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ CarolynWallerMize
When they arrived, they found William with “multiple gunshot wounds.” Investigators said he had gone to the home to check on Mandy’s well-being. Inside, deputies discovered Mandy dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Later that day, Joshua was reportedly arrested during a traffic stop. Two young children, believed to be his and Mandy’s, were in the vehicle and unharmed. A handgun and an AR-15 rifle were reportedly recovered, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint filed in Henry County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, reviewed by WDBJ7, revealed that Coleman admitted to the killings. He reportedly told investigators he and Mandy had a heated argument during which he accused her of cheating.
He then went to his room, got a gun, and shot her. Knowing he was going to jail, Joshua said he took his children and went to kill William, whom he found back at the Meeks Road home and shot multiple times.
Despite speculation about the victims’ connection, Sheriff Wayne Davis reportedly confirmed that William Morey was not related to either Joshua or Mandy. Mandy’s mother, Carolyn Mize, also clarified in a post on social media.
Reportedly, a nearby resident told WDBJ7 he called 911 after hearing gunfire. He had stepped outside for a break from mowing when he saw two vehicles arrive at the home.
Less than a minute later, he heard several gunshots. Initially thinking someone had shot an animal, he walked over and found William’s body in the road.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was created in Mandy’s honor. It described her as someone whose “kindness knew no bounds” and confirmed she was the mother of two young children — Joshua Corbett Coleman Jr. and Emily Dawn Coleman. “Our community has suffered a great loss,” the fundraiser further read. “All funds raised will go directly to funeral expenses and her children.”
Mandy’s mother has continued to grieve publicly on social media. In a July 26 tribute, she wrote, “She loved her babies RIP baby girl. omg I miss you so much [sic].” The following day, she added another post, expressing deep anguish and disbelief over her daughter’s death.
Now, the family is faced with the painful task of planning Mandy’s funeral while preparing for the final custody hearing for her two children. Emotions are running high as they brace for a courtroom appearance in which Joshua, as the children’s biological father, is expected to appear via video.
William was remembered in an obituary posted by Wright Funeral Services as a proud U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam era. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #534 and a man deeply devoted to his family, his community, and his faith.
The obituary described him as “a man who didn’t tolerate nonsense and never hesitated to speak his mind.” He had a passion for NASCAR, especially Chase Elliott, driver #9, and enjoyed participating in the “Rubber Side Down” online racing league. William also held a black belt in martial arts and had once worked alongside Chuck Norris.
The veteran is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cynthia Denise Meeks Morey; his daughter, Falon Marston; two grandchildren; his sister, Valerie Morey-Gilman; a nephew; and his loyal dog, Jake.
Joshua is reportedly being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center, facing multiple charges. Some of the charges include 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.
Sheriff Wayne Davis reportedly issued a 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.”
He also said, “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.”
The Sheriff’s Office urged anyone with information to come forward. Reacting to the tragedy, Cindy Shelton Mounce echoed the sentiments of many in the community on social media. Her words reflect the heartbreak felt not only in Henry County but also across the state line, where William’s memory was honored by Eden Flea Market, a local store where he was well known.
While the investigation moves forward and justice takes its course, the memories of William and Mandy live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
