HENRY COUNTY, VA (BTW21) — A 13-year-old male juvenile has been arrested by the Virginia State Police in connection with the July 17 homicide of 79-year-old Johnny Carson Carter of Ridgeway, Virginia.
The juvenile faces charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
What initially appeared to be a tragic hit-and-run turned into a homicide investigation after authorities found that Carter’s injuries were inconsistent with a vehicle impact. The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Western District, confirmed the cause of death as a single gunshot wound.
On the early morning of July 17, at approximately 1:21 a.m., Virginia State Police and Henry County deputies responded to reports of an unresponsive male lying in the roadway on Vista View Lane. The victim, later identified as Johnny Carter, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team and Bureau of Criminal Investigation-Salem Division immediately launched a thorough investigation. As evidence was collected, it became clear that Carter had been intentionally killed.
In the following days, troopers, special agents, and Henry County investigators conducted extensive interviews, canvassed the Ridgeway community, and executed multiple search warrants. The investigation uncovered both physical and digital evidence that led to identifying the 13-year-old suspect.
The juvenile was arrested on July 25 and is currently held without bond at a juvenile detention center.
Virginia State Police continue to urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
