RIDGEWAY, Va. – A devastating domestic violence incident has left the close-knit community of Ridgeway in mourning after two individuals were found dead in a shooting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The suspect, 30-year-old Joshua Coleman, was arrested following a multi-state manhunt, and two young children reported missing in the aftermath were found safe.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in the 200 block of Meeks Road in Ridgeway, located near the Virginia-North Carolina border. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man deceased in the roadway and a woman, believed to be Coleman’s estranged wife, fatally shot inside the home. The identities of the victims have not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.
Following the shooting, Coleman fled the scene with the couple’s two children—an 11-month-old and a 2-year-old—prompting an urgent search involving the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and authorities from Rockingham County, North Carolina. A Henry County deputy, with assistance from Martinsville Police, located Coleman’s vehicle during a traffic stop at ValleyStar Credit Union on Dupont Road in Martinsville. Coleman, who was armed with a handgun and an AR-15 rifle, was taken into custody without further incident. Both children were found unharmed inside the vehicle and are now safe in the care of the Department of Social Services and family members.
Sheriff Wayne Davis described the incident as a domestic-related tragedy, noting that Coleman is believed to be the father of the children and the husband of the female victim. A witness to the incident reportedly fled to Rockingham County, North Carolina, and contacted authorities, providing critical information. Sheriff Davis indicated that Coleman may have pursued the witness across state lines with intent to cause further harm.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to establish the full circumstances leading to the violence. Coleman faces multiple charges, including two counts of homicide and child abduction. Sheriff Davis emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community but expressed profound sadness over the loss of life, calling the safe recovery of the children a small measure of relief in a heartbreaking situation.
As Ridgeway grapples with the shock of this tragedy, community members are raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the need for early intervention and support for those affected. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
For those with details related to the case, please contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 632-7463.