What began as an arson investigation in Mathews County evolved into a double homicide probe, following a deadly house fire on Friday, July 11, that claimed two lives and led to the arrest of two suspects.
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Just after 10 p.m. Friday, the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the 17000 block of John Clayton Memorial Highway. Responding deputies and Mathews County Fire and Rescue units arrived to find flames engulfing the front of the residence. The blaze was so intense it shattered windows from the heat, MCSO reported.
Emergency crews made entry and pulled two individuals from the burning home. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later identified the victims as 54-year-old Chad Wayne Ashford and 56-year-old Audrey Elaine Hudgins Mowrar.
The evidence suggested the fire was no accident. Investigators found multiple suspected gunshot wounds in the bodies of both victims.
Virginia State Police was brought in to assist with processing the crime scene. Digital evidence, eyewitness assistance, and data from Flock license plate readers led investigators to Newport News in search of a suspect vehicle.
Newport News Police conducted a traffic stop and two individuals reportedly tried to run but were apprehended. The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Lacey Ann Horsley of Gloucester and 33-year-old Carol Paul Cormier Jr. of Mathews.
Detectives believe Ashford and Mowrar were shot and killed on Thursday, July 10. MCSO said it appears the suspects fled then returned the following evening with the intent to burn the house and destroy evidence.
In addition to having the vehicle allegedly, which was recovered with help from Newport News Police, MCSO said further physical evidence was located in Gloucester Point thanks to GCSO K9 Lycan.
Horsley has been charged as an accessory after the fact in both murders, along with conspiracy to destroy the residence.
Cormier faces charges of 2nd degree murder for both victims, unlawful firearm use, illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon, and arson.
Both suspects are being held without bond at the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center in Saluda.
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