Mathews County Commonwealth's Attorney Found Dead

State police investigating apparent gunshot wound death of prosecutor T. Marie Walls

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Mathews County Commonwealth's Attorney T. Marie Walls was found dead in the driveway of her home on February 10 from an apparent gunshot wound, according to Virginia State Police. Walls had served as the county's top prosecutor since January 2024 after being elected in 2023. The investigation into her death is ongoing, but police say there is no indication a suspect is involved at this time.

Why it matters

The death of a sitting commonwealth's attorney is a rare and tragic event that will likely have significant impacts on the local criminal justice system and community. Walls was a respected legal professional who had previously worked in the Suffolk and Gloucester commonwealth's attorney's offices before being elected in Mathews County.

The details

According to a statement from Virginia State Police, T. Marie Walls was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound in the driveway of a residence in Mathews County on February 10. Walls had served as the county's commonwealth's attorney since being elected in 2023. Prior to that, she had worked for many years in the Suffolk commonwealth's attorney's office and also served as chief deputy commonwealth's attorney in Gloucester.

  • Walls was found dead on February 10, 2026.
  • Walls had served as Mathews County commonwealth's attorney since being elected in 2023.

The players

T. Marie Walls

Mathews County Commonwealth's Attorney who was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound on February 10, 2026. Walls had served in the role since being elected in 2023 after previously working in the Suffolk and Gloucester commonwealth's attorney's offices.

Virginia State Police

The state law enforcement agency that is investigating the death of Mathews County Commonwealth's Attorney T. Marie Walls.

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What they’re saying

“Marie was a dedicated public servant who committed her career to the pursuit of justice and the safety of our community. Her leadership, integrity, and compassion made a lasting impact on our office and on the many lives she touched.”

— Walls' Campaign Team (Facebook)

What’s next

The state police investigation into Walls' death is ongoing, and authorities have said there is no indication a suspect is involved at this time.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Mathews County Commonwealth's Attorney T. Marie Walls has left the local community in shock and the criminal justice system facing uncertainty. Walls was a respected legal professional who had dedicated her career to public service, and her passing will be deeply felt.