In the quiet community of Chesterfield, Virginia, the life of 38-year-old Lawrence J. Howell, a white male, was violently cut short on August 24, 2018. The events that unfolded painted a grim picture of domestic turmoil and a meticulously planned crime. Howell was fatally shot by Joshua M. Federico, the estranged husband of his girlfriend, Sarah Federico. The attack occurred at Sarah's home on Second Branch Road late on the night of August 23, 2018.
The initial response by Chesterfield County Police was to a report of a woman with multiple gunshot wounds. They found Sarah Federico, who was seven months pregnant at the time, with life-threatening injuries. Her boyfriend, Lawrence Howell, was missing. As the investigation intensified, a chilling discovery was made. Howell's remains were found in a burn pit on a horse farm adjacent to Joshua Federico's home. It was a tragic end to a search that began with a domestic dispute.
Joshua M. Federico was quickly identified as the primary suspect and warrants were issued for his arrest. He was charged with a litany of crimes, including the murder of Lawrence Howell, malicious wounding of Sarah Federico, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The subsequent trial brought to light the terrifying details of that night. Sarah Federico, who survived the brutal attack, testified against her estranged husband. Her unborn child, a son later named Lawrence James in honor of his deceased father, also survived.
The prosecution's case was built on a foundation of compelling evidence and testimony. The court heard of the volatile relationship between Joshua and Sarah Federico and his violent actions against her and Howell. The jury found Joshua M. Federico guilty of seven felony charges, which included murder and attempted first-degree murder. In light of the brutal nature of his crimes, the jury recommended two life sentences.
The case took an even more sinister turn with the revelation of a murder-for-hire plot. While incarcerated, Joshua Federico conspired with his mother, Wendy Federico, his brother, Joseph Federico, and an acquaintance, Constantine Trikoulis, to hire individuals to kill witnesses who were set to testify against him. This led to additional charges for the conspirators, including conspiracy to commit capital murder and attempted capital murder. The plot was a desperate attempt to silence those who could attest to his guilt, further underscoring the lengths he would go to evade justice. This complex web of criminal activity ultimately unraveled, leading to convictions for those involved in the heinous plot to cover up the tragic death of Lawrence J. Howell.
