Chad Wayne Ashford dies in fatal Mathews County shooting
Fatal Mathews County shooting death of Chad Wayne Ashford
Investigators confirmed the death of Chad Wayne Ashford, a 54-year-old man, following a tragic incident in rural Mathews County, Virginia. The discovery occurred on Friday night when authorities were alerted to a severe fire at a residence.
Emergency dispatches sent responders to the scene around 10 p.m., where flames were evident near the front of the property. Paramedics and law enforcement entered the burning structure and retrieved two individuals. Medical examiners later declared both victims deceased at the location, with preliminary indications pointing to gun violence.
Further details revealed that Chad Wayne Ashford and his 56-year-old companion, Audrey Elaine Hudgins Mowrar, were pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The Mathews County Sheriff’s Office initiated a homicide inquiry after determining the pair was likely killed before the fire was deliberately set.
Officials credited the public for providing crucial tips, along with digital evidence and surveillance from license plate readers, which helped identify two suspects. A 33-year-old man from Mathews County and an 18-year-old woman from Gloucester County were apprehended after fleeing a vehicle during a traffic stop in Newport News.
The man, identified as Carol Paul Cormier Jr., faces charges including two counts of second-degree murder and possession of a weapon. The woman, Lacey Ann Horsley, is charged with accessory charges and conspiracy to destroy property. Both are currently detained without bail at the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center.
According to the probe, the victims were killed on Thursday, and the suspects returned to the site on Friday to set the fire, aiming to eliminate evidence. Authorities utilized assistance from the Newport News Police Department and a K9 unit from Gloucester County to recover the suspect vehicle and collect additional evidence.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Rice at the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office.
