News: Two Charged with First-Degree Murder in December 2012 Sterling Homicide

Linsey B. Hardwick

(Feb. 12, 2013) - Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman announced that two suspects were charged today in connection with the December 27, 2012 homicide of Jovaughn Johnson. Ryan B. Williams, 32, formally of the Loudoun County area, and Linsey B. Hardwick, 23, of Leesburg, were charged with first degree murder.

Ryan B. Williams

Williams and Hardwick remain held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and are awaiting arraignment on the murder charges. Williams is currently being held on assault and battery charges stemming from a domestic assault in July 2012 and two criminal capias. Hardwick is held on possession of narcotics charges.


"Our detectives have done an outstanding job of pulling this case together and we look forward to working with our Commonwealth Attorney in the prosecution phase of this case," said Sheriff Chapman. 

Johnson was found deceased in his vehicle in the area of Great Trail Terrace and Trail Run Terrace in Sterling, VA, back in December. Loudoun County Sheriff's Deputies initially responded to the area shortly before 7 p.m. for a check the welfare call. His death was ruled a homicide by the State Medical Examiner and the subsequent investigation led detectives to several areas in Virginia and other neighboring states.

The homicide investigation continues and additional arrests are expected in the near future. Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 703-777-0475.