On the evening of July 10, 2025, an argument inside a residence on the 17000 block of John Clayton Memorial Highway in Mathews, Virginia, ended in lethal violence. Audrey Elaine Hudgins Mowrar, 56, and Chad Wayne Ashford, 54, were both shot multiple times and found dead inside the house. The following night the home was set on fire; crews discovered the bodies while fighting the blaze and investigators determined the deaths were shootings rather than the result of the fire.

Authorities say 33-year-old Carol Paul Cormier Jr. became involved in the dispute with Ashford and allegedly shot him multiple times; Hudgins Mowrar was killed after she tried to call for help. Tips, digital evidence and license plate reader hits led officers to Newport News, where a vehicle tied to the case was found. Two occupants fled on foot and were taken into custody.

Investigators report that 18-year-old Lacey Ann Horsley admitted being present for the shootings, driving Cormier from the scene and later helping plan the return to set the house on fire. Cormier was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, firearm offenses, possession by a convicted felon and burning or destroying a residence; Horsley was charged as an accessory after the fact to both murders and with conspiracy to burn or destroy a residence. Both are being held without bond.

Did anyone in the Mathews or Gloucester area know Audrey Hudgins Mowrar or have information about her activities on July 10 and 11?