news-record.com

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Deputies who spent the past five days investigating the homicide of an Eden resident are now searching for the man they believe is responsible for the crime.

On Thursday, the Henry County Sheriff's Office issued arrest warrants for Corey Jermaine Hairston, 31, of 7062 Axton Road in Axton, Va. Kenneth Wayne Booth, 51, was fatally shot Saturday. A passersby found him lying in front of the mobile home at 143 Meeks Road in Ridgeway.

Hairston faces charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The sheriff's office described Hairston a black man who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. He has a medium build, brown eyes and black hair that was last seen braided in dreadlocks.

The Henry County Fire Marshal's Office is also investigating a Tuesday fire that destroyed the mobile home on Meeks Road where Booth was found. Fire Marshal Rodney Howell ruled the fire arson and suspects it relates to the Booth homicide. The connection is still under investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

The resident of the mobile home, Mark Anthony Vernon, was arrested earlier this week after a search of his home and was charged with possession of stolen property and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Anyone with information about these incidents can call the sheriff's office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 632-7463.