The 4 suspects accused of killing a Virginia teenager are actually going through fees in a second murder after investigators recognized a girl whose stays remained a thriller for greater than three months, revealing what authorities say have been two related, premeditated killings.
Helen Marie Pullen Banks, 56, of Culpeper, was recognized by way of “intensive and complicated DNA evaluation” accomplished July 7, after her stays have been found March 27 on non-public property in Caroline County, in keeping with the sheriff’s workplace.
Authorities introduced this month that Rashad Antonio Mayfield, 21, Devonti Gregory Pettaway, 19, Jaden Lamont Phillips, 20, and Kennady Jade Lambert, 18, have every been charged with first-degree homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide and use of a firearm within the fee of homicide in Banks’ loss of life.
All 4 suspects have been already being held with out bond after being charged with homicide within the loss of life of 18-year-old Jayden McComber.
Investigators say they suspected early within the case that the 2 murder investigations have been linked.
McComber disappeared the identical day Banks’ stays have been found. His car was recovered the next day in Virginia Seashore with help from the Virginia Seashore Police Division, in keeping with the sheriff’s workplace.
Authorities stated the car was completely processed and produced “helpful investigative leads” that helped investigators find McComber’s stays and establish the suspects.
McComber’s physique was discovered March 31 in a pond close to the Caroline County line.
Throughout an April 2 search of a Henrico County residence believed to be related to Mayfield, investigators recovered private belongings thought to have been in McComber’s possession when he disappeared, authorities stated.
Mayfield was arrested on fees throughout a site visitors cease carried out whereas investigators have been looking out the residence. Authorities stated a handgun was seized from his possession, although they haven’t disclosed whether or not the firearm has been linked to both murder.
Pettaway, Phillips and Lambert have been arrested throughout a simultaneous operation at an house on Kenway Avenue in Henrico. Caroline County investigators have been assisted within the arrests by the US Marshals Service Capital Space Regional Fugitive Process Drive.
Following the arrests, Sheriff Scott Moser described the case as a “advanced and tough investigation” and praised the “relentless work” that led authorities to the 4 suspects.
The sheriff’s workplace stated ballistic testing carried out with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later produced forensic proof linking the 2 murders.
Investigators say each Banks and McComber knew no less than one of many suspects earlier than they have been killed. Nevertheless, authorities stated they’ve uncovered no proof that both sufferer had a battle or dispute with the suspects over what investigators described as “premeditated and deliberate acts.”
Authorities haven’t disclosed a attainable motive or stated whether or not Banks and McComber knew each other.
When Banks’ stays have been first found, the property proprietor who discovered them was “understandably shaken” and didn’t method the physique earlier than calling 911, in keeping with the sheriff’s workplace.
“This can be a deeply disturbing case,” Moser stated on the time. “The scene our deputies and investigators encountered was tough, however they remained centered {and professional} from the second they arrived.”
The sheriff’s workplace later alleged that these accountable had taken “sick and deliberate” measures to hide Banks’ id, calling it one of many extra disturbing circumstances investigators had encountered. Authorities haven’t publicly detailed these alleged measures.
Banks’ id was formally confirmed July 7, and investigators met together with her household that night to inform them.
“This case displays the relentless dedication of our investigators to pursue the reality,” Moser stated after saying the identification.
“Whereas no announcement can ease the ache of this loss, we hope right now’s identification of Helen Marie Pullen Banks offers no less than some measure of solutions for her family members.”
The investigation has additionally concerned the Caroline County Commonwealth’s Lawyer’s Workplace, FBI and ATF. Authorities stated they aren’t trying to find any further suspects, although the case stays lively.
The sheriff’s workplace stated Banks’ household was notified of her identification on July 7 after DNA testing confirmed her id.
Banks was born in Charlottesville and lived in Rixeyville, in keeping with her obituary. She is survived by 5 youngsters, her mom, two siblings, 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a big prolonged household.
“Helen was a lot greater than the circumstances surrounding her passing,” her household wrote in a GoFundMe established to assist cowl memorial bills. “She was a daughter, a sister, a mom, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother.”
McComber’s household additionally remembered the 18-year-old in a GoFundMe created after his loss of life, describing the week-long seek for him as “a nightmare no household ought to ever need to reside by way of.”
“Jayden was so deeply liked,” his household wrote. “He had the most important coronary heart and made positive the folks round him knew it. He by no means missed an opportunity to say ‘I really like you,’ and people phrases imply every part to us now.”
The investigation stays lively, although authorities say they aren’t in search of further suspects.
