RIDGEWAY, Va. – Oct. 20 6:30 p.m. UPDATE:
Joseph Lockett was taken into custody at 225 Nibblett Drive in Martinsville on Monday, Henry County Sheriff’s Office said.
At 5:45 p.m. on Monday Lockett was taken into custody. Deputies responded to the 225 Niblett Drive after receiving information Lockett was inside the residence. Following a brief standoff Lockett exited the front door with his hands up.
Lockett, 40 years of age, has been charged with the following offenses:
• Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-32 - First-Degree Murder
• Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-53.1 - Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
• Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-308.2 - Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Convicted Felon
Lockett was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife, Rhonda Hairston which occurred Oct. 18 in Ridgeway.
The sheriff’s office thanked the public for their help in the investigation.
Oct. 20 1 p.m. UPDATE:
Henry County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that Joseph Lockett is wanted in connection with the welfare check that led to a homicide investigation that occurred in Henry County on Saturday.
HCSO said after gathering evidence through Saturday and Sunday, they have determined that Joseph Lockett, the estranged husband of the victim in this incident, as the suspect. The victim has been identified as Rhonda Lockett.
Joseph Lockett is now wanted for first-degree murder, and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Authorities do not believe he has the means to travel far beyond the local area, and multiple local law enforcement agencies have been notified.
The sheriff’s office also emphasized that anyone who is harboring Lockett could be charged with Accessory After the Fact, a felony offense.
“Our investigators have worked tirelessly since Saturday, and we will not rest until Joseph Lockett is in custody. We ask anyone with information to come forward immediately to help bring justice for Rhonda and her family.”
Sheriff Wayne Davis
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lockett, or happen to spot him, do not approach him, and call your local law enforcement immidiately.
Anyone with information regarding this case should call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463).
ORIGINAL STORY:
Henry County Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating a homicide after a call for a welfare check on Saturday.
HCSO said they received a call around 12:15 p.m. on Saturday for a welfare check at a home on the 1100 block of Garrett Road in Ridgeway. Upon arrival, deputies spoke to a juvenile in the home who informed them that his mother needed help. Deputies then discovered a dead woman in a bedroom of the home.
Authorities initiated a homicide investigation as a result. The scene is being processed, and witnesses are being interviewed. An exact cause and manner of death is currently being investigated as well.
No arrests have been made, but investigators are currently looking to speak with Joseph Chad Lockett, a man who was recently in a relationship with the victim.
HCSO will continue their investigation, and they thanked the Virginia State Police and Martinsville Police Department for their assistance.
If you have any information regarding this incident, or the whereabouts of Joseph Chad Locket, please contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463).