In the late spring of 2025, a grim discovery was made on the shoulder of Lee's Ridge Road in Henry County, Virginia. The body of a man, later identified as 34-year-old James Baldwin Jr. of Martinsville, was found on April 29th, bearing multiple gunshot wounds. The Martinsville Police Department, in conjunction with the Henry County Sheriff's Office, immediately launched a homicide investigation into the violent death of the Black / African American male.
The investigation quickly led
authorities to a residence located at 1145 Ridge Road in Martinsville. After executing a search warrant, police found evidence confirming their suspicions that this home was the scene of the crime. They determined that Baldwin had been killed inside the residence before his body was transported to the location where it was ultimately found. As the investigation intensified, the Martinsville Police Department took the lead, diligently working with the Henry County Sheriff's Office to piece together the events that led to Baldwin's death.
A significant break in the case came with the arrest of 36-year-old Jermaine Dominique Finney, also a resident of Martinsville. Finney was taken into custody on April 30th and charged with concealing or transporting a dead body. He is currently being held without bond at the Martinsville City Jail. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is far from over, with several persons of interest being interviewed and the expectation of more charges and additional arrests.
In connection with the ongoing investigation, law enforcement officials also sought public assistance in locating a gold 2022 Chevrolet Trax with Virginia license plate TGB-2200, which was believed to be linked to the case. The vehicle has since been located. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke is conducting a forensic examination to provide further details in this active and evolving case as investigators continue to seek justice for James Baldwin Jr.
