The Shadow
HENRY COUNTY, Va. (VR) – The Virginia State Police have arrested a 13-year-old male in the July 17, 2025, homicide of 79-year-old Johnny Carson Carter, of Ridgeway, Va.
What was first believed to be a vehicle verses pedestrian hit-and-run crash, quickly turned into a homicide investigation when the victim’s injuries were not consistent with a vehicle strike. The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Western District notified the Virginia State Police, the cause of death was a single gunshot wound.
Troopers, Special Agents, Henry County Investigators conducted interviews, crime scene examinations and canvased the Ridgeway community seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the perpetrator. In addition, Special Agents and Henry County Investigators served several search warrants identifying physical and digital evidence associated with the case following the incident.
The 13-year-old male juvenile was arrested today (July 25) and was transported to a juvenile detention center, where he is held without bond. The juvenile is charged with first degree murder (18.2-32, Code of Virginia) and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, (18.2-53.1, Code of Virginia).
(Original Release)
On July 17, 2025, at 1:21 a.m. troopers and deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive male found in the roadway on Vista View Lane in Henry County. The initial investigation found the male was deceased. The injuries were believed to be caused by the male being struck by a vehicle.
The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team and the Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation-Salem Division responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. During the investigation, troopers found the injuries were not caused by a vehicle collision, the evidence indicated the incident was clearly a homicide.
The 79-year-old male was identified as Johnny Carson Carter, of Ridgeway, Va.
The incident on Vista View Lane is believed to have occurred between 12:30 a.m. and 1:20 am. The Virginia State Police is asking anyone with information related to the incident to
