Ridgeway, Virginia – The quiet community of Ridgeway is reeling after a tragic domestic violence incident left two people dead and two young children temporarily missing. The suspect, 30-year-old Josh Coleman, has been arrested and is currently in custody.
According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were dispatched to a residence on Meeks Road on Tuesday, July 22, following reports of gunfire. When deputies arrived, they discovered one man lying deceased in the roadway and a second victim, Mandy Coleman—the suspect’s wife—fatally shot inside the home. The identity of the male victim has not yet been publicly released.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Coleman fled the scene with the couple’s two children—an 11-month-old and a two-year-old—triggering an urgent manhunt across state lines. Law enforcement agencies from Virginia and North Carolina worked swiftly, and within hours, Coleman was located and arrested at a gas station in Rockingham County, NC. Thankfully, both children were found safe inside his vehicle and have since been reunited with family and placed in protective care.
Investigators believe the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute. Sheriff Wayne Davis expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, emphasizing that while the tragedy is heartbreaking, the safe recovery of the children is a bright spot amid the darkness.
Authorities also confirmed that the investigation remains active, and Coleman is expected to face multiple charges, including two counts of homicide and child abduction. Officials are continuing to gather evidence and speak with those close to the family to better understand what led to the violence.
As the Ridgeway community grieves, many are calling for renewed awareness around the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of early intervention.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638‑8751.
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