Top Prosecutor for Mathews County Found Dead in Driveway

State Police investigating apparent gunshot death of Commonwealth's Attorney T. Marie Walls

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The State Police have reported that T. Marie Walls, the Commonwealth's Attorney for Mathews County, Virginia, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound in the driveway of her home on Tuesday. Walls, who had led the Mathews prosecutor's office since January 2024, died sometime between 7:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The State Police have stated that they are not currently looking for any suspects in the shooting death.

Why it matters

The death of a sitting Commonwealth's Attorney is a highly unusual and concerning event, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding Walls' demise and the potential impact on the county's criminal justice system. Mathews County is a small, rural community, and the loss of its top prosecutor could have significant repercussions.

The details

According to the State Police, the shooting occurred in the 4500 block of New Point Comfort Highway, which is listed as Walls' home address. The State Police have declined to provide additional details about the circumstances of the shooting, including whether Walls was in a vehicle at the time. The State Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond is still determining the official cause and manner of Walls' death.

  • The shooting occurred between 7:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

T. Marie Walls

The Commonwealth's Attorney for Mathews County, Virginia, who had held the position since January 2024.

April L. Edwards

The Mathews County Sheriff, who referred the investigation to the State Police.

Robin Lawson

The State Police's director of media relations, who declined to provide additional details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At this point in the investigation, there is no indication a suspect is involved.”

— Robin Lawson, State Police Director of Media Relations (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The State Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond is still determining the official cause and manner of Walls' death, and the State Police investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

The unexpected death of a sitting Commonwealth's Attorney is a highly unusual and concerning event, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the potential impact on the county's criminal justice system. The small, rural community of Mathews County will likely be deeply affected by the loss of its top prosecutor.