NORFOLK, Va. (NPD) – Norfolk Police detectives and Norfolk Fire Marshal’s investigators have announced an arrest in connection with a 2021 homicide and arson case that claimed the life of 69-year-old Leslie Vaughn.
On August 12, 2021, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Norfolk Police and Norfolk Fire-Rescue personnel responded to a residence in the 3500 block of Somme Avenue for a report of a house fire.
Once the fire was brought under control, first responders found Vaughn dead inside the home.
During the initial stages of the investigation, detectives and fire investigators determined that suspicious circumstances surrounded the fire.
On September 14, 2021, detectives determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Evidence collected from the scene indicated the presence of gasoline.
Detectives also recovered surveillance footage from the scene showing an unknown man using a gas can shortly before the fire broke out.
The case remained active throughout the years as investigators pursued leads.
On January 7, 2026, a Grand Jury indicted Terry T. Lawson, 67, of Norfolk, on charges of First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Arson.
Members of the Norfolk Police Fugitive Unit and Special Operations Team arrested Lawson on January 15th.
He was transported to the Norfolk City Jail, where he is currently held without bond.