Stafford County stop uncovers notebook with murder plots against family

A reckless-driving complaint in Stafford County ended with deputies seizing a notebook that outlined two murder plots against a teenager’s family. The stop began near Austin Ridge Drive and Cabinet Maker Drive and led investigators to a Wawa on Garrisonville Road, where the suspects regrouped after a crash.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle struck a speed limit sign and was not found during the first search. Deputies later located it at the Wawa, where they found open alcoholic beverages, multiple knives, medical items, a notebook and a tray of food on the dashboard. Investigators said the food had been stolen from a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings, and camera footage from the convenience store showed the suspects taking alcoholic beverages from Wawa.

The notebook belonged to Louis Conely, 19, of Stafford, and Conely and a juvenile passenger had developed two detailed murder plots against the juvenile’s family. The juvenile was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of felony threats in writing and was held at the Rappahannock Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Conely was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of felony threats in writing, petit larceny, unlawful purchase of an alcoholic beverage, drinking while operating a motor vehicle, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, hit-and-run and reckless driving. He was being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Charging documents allege the suspects exchanged text messages in April about killing the 17-year-old’s parents inside their home, discussed avoiding security cameras and debated whether to shoot the parents or slit their throats. A search of the juvenile’s bedroom turned up multiple BB guns, edged weapons and archery equipment.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive. The case remains active, and Virginia court rules keep juvenile and domestic relations cases out of routine online view.