A murder suspect and his alleged conspirator were arrested early Sunday morning after an intense investigation by the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office following the discovery by Mathews firefighters Friday night of two deceased residents in a burning home on John Clayton Memorial Highway in Mathews.
Carol Paul Cormier Jr., 33, of Cardinal, and Lacey Ann Horsley, 18, of Gloucester, both appeared in Mathews County General District Court on Tuesday morning via video from the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center for determination of counsel. The victims were Chad Wayne Ashford, 54, and Audrey Elaine Hudgins, 56, of Mathews.
Cormier showed no emotion during his appearance, but Horsley was tearful from the beginning. Judge Stephanie Revere advised each of them separately of the charges against them and of the possible sentence their alleged crimes would carry if convicted. She also advised them of their right to an attorney, and each requested that the court appoint them one. Neither def...