As of 5:45 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, Joseph Chad Lockett has been taken into custody by

the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies, investigators, and tactical personnel responded to 225 Nibblett Drive after receiving

information that Lockett was inside the residence. Following a brief standoff, Lockett exited the front

door with his hands up and was safely taken into custody without further incident.

Joseph Chad 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

aka: Rhonda Lockett, which occurred on October 18, 2025, at 1159 Garrett Road in Ridgeway,

Virginia.

Sheriff Wayne Davis stated, “We are grateful for the assistance of our community and partner

agencies in the swift apprehension of Joseph “Chad” Lockett. Our prayers are with the family of our

victim, Rhonda Hairston, during this difficult time.

”

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Henry County

Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463).

Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward

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RIDGEWAY, Va. (rbs news now) — Authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, who was found dead inside her Ridgeway home over the weekend.

Deputies responded to a welfare check at a home in the 1100 block of Garrett Road around noon on October 18, after receiving an anonymous call. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a 17-year-old resident who said his mother needed help.

Deputies entered the home and found Rhonda Lockett deceased in a bedroom. Henry County Public Safety responded and confirmed her death at the scene.

Investigators worked throughout the weekend collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing leads. Through their investigation, authorities identified Joseph Chad Lockett, the victim’s estranged husband, as the suspect in her death.

As of Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, Joseph Chad Lockett is wanted for first-degree murder. The Sheriff’s Office said he should be considered armed and dangerous and is not believed to have the means to travel far from the local area. Law enforcement agencies across the region have been alerted.

Sheriff Wayne Davis praised investigators’ efforts and urged the public to come forward with information.

“Our investigators have worked tirelessly since Saturday, and we will not rest until Joseph Lockett is in custody,” Davis said. “We ask anyone with information to come forward immediately to help bring justice for Rhonda and her family.”

Authorities warned that anyone found to be assisting or hiding Lockett could face felony accessory-after-the-fact charges.

Anyone with information about the case or Lockett’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.

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RIDGEWAY, Va. (rbs news now) — The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide after a woman was found dead inside a Ridgeway residence Saturday afternoon.

At around 12:15 p.m. on October 18, deputies responded to a welfare check in the 1100 block of Garrett Road.

Upon arrival, deputies said they spoke with a juvenile at the home who said his mother needed help.

When deputies entered the residence, they discovered a deceased adult female in a bedroom.

The Sheriff’s Office said the case is being treated as a homicide.

The woman’s body has been transported to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

No arrests have been made at this time, but investigators are seeking to speak with Joseph Chad Lockett, who was recently in a relationship with the victim.

The Sheriff’s Office said that there are currently no warrants for Lockett’s arrest but said they would “greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with him” regarding the investigation.

Authorities said they continue to follow up on leads and thanked the Virginia State Police and Martinsville Police Department for assisting in the case.

Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of Joseph Chad Lockett is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 276-632-7463.

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