40-year Henrico double homicide remains unsolved

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — This month marks 40 years since 18-year-old Donna Hall and 21-year-old Michael Margaret were found stabbed to death in Henrico County’s West End — family and friends still want to know what happened and why.

The two were last seen leaving a friend’s party in the West End on the night of Aug. 17, 1984, after telling their family and friends they were going camping.

“When he did not show up Monday for work and as the days got longer, you know, we had concerns about what had happened,” said Scott Margaret, brother of Michael Margaret.

Days later, on Aug. 21, the two were found stabbed to death in a wooded area off of Castile Road, near the Kings Crossing Apartment Complex.

“We just want to know who was responsible or if they’re no longer around,” said Margaret.

Margaret and Hall’s case is one of more than one hundred cold cases the Henrico County Division of Police is currently investigating. Detectives have investigated several tips in the case but none have generated significant leads.

“After all of this time, I would hope that we can finally lay to rest what happened and why,” said Margaret. “And I think that would bring a lot of closure, not just for the family, but all for all of the friends that Mike and Donna have.”

In 2022, police received DNA test results from a private lab and are now looking into new leads. In the meantime, Margaret’s family is remaining hopeful.

“We want to know who did this, because they took they took two lives,” said Allyson Lucas, sister of Michael Margaret.

Anyone with information is asked to email the Henrico Police Cold Case Unit or call them at 804-501-5848.

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