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.

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 and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.