Mathews County, VA — The Mathews County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the tragic double homicide and arson that occurred last week. Through coordinated efforts involving multiple agencies, cutting-edge technology, and invaluable community support, Deputies successfully apprehended Lacey Ann Horsley and Carol Paul Cormier Jr., bringing a significant chapter of this investigation to a close.
Incident Overview
On Friday, July 11, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Mathews County 911 Center received a call reporting a structure fire in the 17000 block of John Clayton Memorial Highway. Deputies from the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office along with Mathews County Fire and Rescue responded swiftly.
Upon arrival, flames were seen engulfing the front of a residential property. Firefighters fought the blaze and made emergency entry into the home, where they discovered two victims unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as:
- Chad Wayne Ashford, 54 years old
- Audrey Elaine Hudgins Mowrar, 56 years old
Investigators from the Virginia State Police Criminal Investigations Division assisted in processing the scene and noted multiple suspected gunshot wounds on both victims.
Investigation and Apprehension
Utilizing public tips, digital evidence, and data collected from Flock License Plate Readers, investigators traced leads to the City of Newport News.
The vehicle linked to the suspects was located, and with the assistance of the Newport News Police Department, officers attempted a traffic stop. The suspects, identified as Lacey Ann Horsley, 18, of Gloucester County, and Carol Paul Cormier Jr., 33, of Mathews County, fled on foot but were quickly apprehended.
Further investigation revealed that the victims had been shot on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The suspects then returned the following day with the intent to set the house on fire to destroy evidence.
Key evidence was recovered from the suspects’ vehicle with Newport News Police assistance, and additional evidence was located in Gloucester Point with the help of K9 Lycan from the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges Filed
The following charges have been filed against the suspects:
Lacey Ann Horsley
- Accessory after the fact in the murders of Chad Ashford and Audrey Hudgins Mowrar (§ 18.2-19)
- Conspiracy to burn/destroy a residential structure (§ 18.2-22 / § 18.2-77)
Carol Paul Cormier Jr.
- Second Degree Murder of Chad Ashford and Audrey Hudgins Mowrar (§ 18.2-32)
- Use of a firearm in the commission of both murders (§ 18.2-53.1)
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (§ 18.2-308.2)
- Burning or destroying a residential structure (§ 18.2-77)
Both Horsley and Cormier are being held without bond and have been transferred to the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center.
Gratitude and Community Support
The Mathews County Sheriff’s Office extends sincere thanks to:
- The Mathews County 911 Dispatch Center for their exceptional professionalism and analytical support.
- The Newport News Police Department, Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police CID – Fire Investigators for their vital partnership.
- Mathews County Commonwealth’s Attorney Marie Walls for her expert legal counsel.
- The Mathews Volunteer Fire Department and their Ladies Auxiliary for preserving evidence and supporting responders on scene.
- The Mathews County Rescue Squad for their ongoing assistance during the investigation.
- Most importantly, our community for their patience, cooperation, and vigilance.
This case highlights the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community to achieve justice and safety for Mathews County.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office.
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