Jailed husband charged with conspiring to murder 23-year-old wife Feb. 2, 2024 in Woodbridge

UPDATE #4 - A Prince William Grand Jury has issued four more indictments in the Feb. 2024 murder in Woodbridge of Egypt Zapporah CARTER, 23, of Burlington, NC.

On Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, Amy Ashworth, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County, in conjunction with the ongoing investigation led by Prince William County police, announced criminal indictments for two additional men, and two other men previously arrested in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old woman in February. The woman, Egypt Zapporah CARTER, was killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) on Feb. 2, 2024.

The investigation revealed the victim’s husband, identified as Lionel Melvin CARTER III, who was incarcerated at the Sussex State Prison in Waverly, VA at the time of the incident, conspired to have the victim killed.

During the investigation, detectives learned the plot involved three other men who either carried out the act, were present during the act, or were otherwise involved in the arrangements to murder the victim.

The victim was reportedly lured to the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge under a ruse to allegedly pick up prescription narcotics for her husband. Instead, the victim was ambushed and killed.

The Dec. 2 indictments for the two additional suspects, including the victim’s husband, were presented to and returned by a Prince William County Grand Jury for Prince William County.

Prince William County Police said both men are incarcerated on unrelated matters and will remain so pending court proceedings into the victim’s murder. The two other men previously arrested in October for their involvement or presence in the killing were also indicted on new charges. Anyone with information to aid this investigation is asked to contact the police.

Indicted on Dec. 2, 2024
:Lionel Melvin CARTER, III, 34, husband of the deceased woman, and Grorethas Gresean MCKINNON, Jr., 26, both incarcerated with the Virginia Department of Corrections for an undisclosed crime or crimes and Denzel Scott WADE, 30, incarcerated at the Prince William-Manassas Adult Detention Center

Carter, McKinnon and Wade were indicted on four charges: aggravated murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting at an occupied vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a felony

Drew Courtney BUCHANAN, 27, who is incarcerated at the Prince William-Manassas Adult Detention Center
was Indicted for aggravated murder and conspiracy to commit a felony, according to the police report.

Court Date: Pending | Status: All Suspects Remain Incarcerated

Identified:
The deceased was identified as Egypt Zapporah CARTER, 23, of Burlington, NC

Murder Investigation *ADDITIONAL ARREST [Previously Released] – On October 29, the suspect sought in connection to the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) on February 2, was arrested. The accused, identified as Denzel Scott WADE, was located at a home on Michelle Ct in the Manassas area of Prince Wiliam County where he was taken into custody without incident. Another suspect was previously arrested in connection to this investigation on October 15. Additional charges against other involved parties are pending. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Murder Investigation *ARREST | SUSPECT WANTED [Previously Released] – During the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) on February 2, detectives have arrested one man and obtained an arrest warrant for another man involved in the encounter. The victim was found fatally shot while inside her vehicle when officers arrived on the scene around 2:07AM. The investigation revealed a murder-for-hire was arranged to kill the victim. Detectives further learned the suspect currently in custody, identified as Drew Courtney BUCHANAN, carried out the act in murdering the victim. On October 15, BUCHANAN, was located in the Manassas area and arrested without incident. An additional suspect, identified as Denzel Scott WADE, was determined to have been present with BUCHANAN at the time of shooting and is currently being sought by police on an active arrest warrant. Additional charges against other involved parties are pending in this investigation. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspect or who can otherwise aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. More information will be released when available.The investigation continues.

Homicide Investigation *VICTIM IDENTIFIED [Previously Released] – Following the notification of a next-of-kin, police are announcing the identity of the victim killed in the shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) around 2:00AM on February 2. The victim, identified as Egypt ZapporahCARTER, of Burlington, NC, was fatally shot on Brickwood Dr. while inside her vehicle. Detectives are continuing to actively investigate the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information regarding this incident.

Homicide Investigation [Previously Released] – On February 2 at 2:07AM,Prince William County Police officers responded to the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. Upon arriving in the area, officers located a 23-year-old woman inside of a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Fire and rescue responded and pronounced the victim dead on the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed the woman was sitting in her vehicle when she was fatally struck by gunfire. Officers located a small mixed-breed dog inside the vehicle that was unharmed and turned over to Animal Control Officers. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. Further information regarding the identity of the deceased will be released pending notification of a next-of-kin. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting. More information will be released when available. Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip. The investigation continues.