Fredericksburg Man Marks 3rd Arrest In Caroline County Homicide

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A third suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a man in Caroline County was arrested during a search of a Fredericksburg apartment on Wednesday, according to police.

Fredericksburg City Police already had an open warrant out on Jamale Antonio Moore, 35, for contempt of court when they learned of an additional warrant issued in Caroline County tied to a Nov. 18 homicide.

James William Jackson, 47, and Laurel Ainsleigh Thrift, 30, both of Fredericksburg, were arrested earlier this week in connection to the same homicide.

After police confirmed a tip they received on Moore’s whereabouts, a detective obtained a search warrant for an apartment in the city, according to police.

On Wednesday, authorities executed the search warrant at the apartment, where they found Moore hiding. He was taken into custody on both warrants, according to police, and held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

A homicide investigation began after deputies found a man's body alongside a gravel road in Caroline County near the Spotsylvania County line. Authorities said the man — whose name has not been released — had no known connections to the area where his body was discovered.

Investigators identified Jackson and Thrift as suspects after interviewing the victim's family and acquaintances. Authorities said the victim was abducted and taken to a rural area in Caroline County, where he was fatally shot.

According to investigators, the shooting was likely motivated by Jackson's discovery of a relationship between the victim and Thrift.

Related: Fredericksburg Man, Woman Arrested After Body Found In Caroline County

On Friday, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle carrying Jackson and Thrift near the intersection of Harrison Road and Plank Road in Spotsylvania County. Both fled on foot, authorities said, but were quickly apprehended by deputies.

In a search following the arrests, investigators located two guns that were discarded during the chase, including one matching the caliber of shell casings found near the victim's body.

Both Jackson and Thrift are being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

"On behalf of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Fredericksburg City Police Department for their invaluable assistance in this case,” Sheriff Scott Moser said. “Their dedication and professionalism exemplify the power of collaboration in ensuring justice is served. This successful arrest is a testament to the strong partnerships between our agencies and our shared commitment to protecting our communities."