Laurel Ainsleigh Thrift,James William Jackson Arrested; – Two individuals are facing charges following the discovery of a deceased man on November 18 in a rural area of Caroline County. According to the Caroline Sheriff’s Office, the victim was reportedly kidnapped and subsequently shot.
“Investigators conducted extensive interviews with the victim’s family and acquaintances across Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and the City of Fredericksburg,” the sheriff’s office stated on Monday. “These inquiries led to significant leads and necessitated collaboration with various agencies.”
On November 22, Caroline County investigators, along with deputies from Spotsylvania County, attempted to intercept a vehicle at the intersection of Harrison Road and Plank Road. The suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended shortly thereafter by deputies from Spotsylvania County.
“During the pursuit, it was believed that a handgun was discarded, prompting the Virginia State Police K-9 teams to search the surrounding wooded area,” the sheriff’s office reported. “Two handguns were recovered, including a .40 caliber weapon that matched the shell casings found at the crime scene.”
The suspects have been identified as 30-year-old Laurel Ainsleigh Thrift and 47-year-old James William Jackson, both residents of Fredericksburg.
Thrift is charged with:
– Conspiracy to Commit Murder
– Accessory After the Fact to Murder
– Conspiracy to Commit Abduction
– Abduction
Jackson faces charges of:
– Second-Degree Murder
– Use of a Firearm in the Commission of Murder
– Abduction
– Conspiracy to Commit Abduction
– Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Convicted Felon
“Evidence indicates that the motive for the murder stemmed from Jackson’s discovery of a relationship between the victim and Thrift,” the sheriff’s office noted.
The identity of the victim is being withheld as the investigation remains ongoing.
