Man Confesses to Killing Wife Over Cheating Suspicion, Then Murders Another Man ‘Because He Knew He Was Going to Jail’
A Virginia man admitted to shooting his wife in the head during a heated argument after accusing her of infidelity then fatally gunned down another man simply because he “knew he was going to jail,” according to a criminal complaint.
Joshua Coleman, 30, a father of two, told investigators he shot his 22-year-old wife, Mandy Coleman, inside their Ridgeway home on Tuesday, July 22, during a dispute. He then tracked down 68-year-old William Morey and opened fire, leaving his body riddled with bullets in the street.
According to the court documents obtained by WDBJ, Coleman couldn’t initially locate Morey, but ran into him outside his own home while returning to check on Mandy. Without hesitation, he shot Morey dead.
Deputies who responded to the scene found Mandy’s body inside the house and quickly identified Coleman as the suspect. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office launched a rapid manhunt, also concerned about the safety of the couple’s two small children.
Coleman was eventually stopped in a vehicle during a traffic stop. Inside, officers found the children safe and unharmed, along with a handgun and an AR-15 rifle.
During questioning, Coleman admitted to shooting his wife in the head and then killing Morey. Authorities have not yet confirmed what connection, if any, Morey had to the family.
Coleman is now facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of child abuse. He is being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
“This is a heartbreaking and tragic situation that has deeply affected two families and our entire community,” said Sheriff Wayne Davis. “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.”
