Attorney General Jay Jones announced on Apr. 1 that his office secured convictions in a homicide case involving the June 2024 death of Martez Corey in Hampton, Virginia. Senior Assistant Attorney General Molly Newton prosecuted the case, which resulted in Re’al Butler and J.C. Butler being found guilty of first-degree murder.
The conviction follows evidence presented at trial showing that Corey, aged 26, was shot while sitting on a front porch. Bullets from the shooting also entered a home occupied by two teenagers at the time. Both defendants were also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and maliciously shooting into an occupied building. Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2026.
Jones said, “Violence has no place in our Commonwealth, and when someone commits a violent crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia, they will be held accountable. I’m proud that my office was able to help bring justice to the family and loved ones of Martez Corey. The dedication and collaboration between Hampton and my office is a shining example of how we can work together to keep communities safe.”
The investigation was conducted by the Hampton Police Division with prosecution jointly handled by Newton as Special Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney alongside the Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
The Attorney General’s Office supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs according to its official website. It provides legal counsel to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed online. The office serves all residents across Virginia according to its website.
Additional responsibilities include addressing human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy as reported by its official site, as well as offering consumer protection resources for identity theft or fraud reporting according to available information.
Miyares holds the position as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official records.
