Charges Filed in Virginia Teen’s Murder

Four individuals are now facing second-degree murder charges connected to the death of a Virginia teenager after authorities identified a woman whose body had been a mystery for over three months. The involved parties are linked to what officials describe as two planned murders.

The remains of Helen Marie Pullen Banks, a 56-year-old from Culpeper, were discovered on private land in Caroline County on March 27. It took “extensive and complex DNA analysis,” completed on July 7, to confirm her identity, according to the sheriff’s office.

This month, authorities reported that Rashad Antonio Mayfield, 21, Devontae Gregory Pettaway, 19, Jayden Lamont Phillips, 20, and Kennadi Jade Lambert, 18, are each facing charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and the use of a firearm in connection to Banks’ death.

All four suspects were already in custody without bail following their previous charge related to the murder of 18-year-old Jayden Macomber.

Investigators, at an early stage, suspected that the two murder cases were related. Macomber vanished on the same day Banks’ body was found, and his vehicle was located the next day in Virginia Beach with the help of local police.

Following the thorough examination of Macomber’s vehicle, authorities found significant clues that led them to discover his body on March 31 in a pond close to the Caroline County line.

Items believed to belong to Macomber were recovered during a search of a home in Henrico County linked to Mayfield on April 2. Authorities arrested Mayfield during a traffic stop while they were investigating the residence. A handgun was found in his possession, though it remains unclear if it was tied to the homicides.

Pettaway, Phillips, and Lambert were taken into custody during simultaneous operations at an apartment on Kenway Avenue in Henrico, with support from the U.S. Marshals Service’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.

After their arrests, Sheriff Scott Moser characterized the investigation as “complex and difficult,” commending the efforts of law enforcement in locating the suspects.

Ballistics testing carried out with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found forensic evidence linking the two murders. Both Banks and Macomber were reportedly acquainted with at least one of the suspects before their deaths, although no confrontation between them has been identified, according to investigators.

The specific motive behind the murders remains undisclosed, and it’s uncertain whether Banks and Macomber had any connection. The discovery of Banks’ body had understandably shaken the property owner, who didn’t approach it until calling 911.

“This is a very disturbing incident,” stated Moser at the time. “The scene was challenging, but our investigators and agents remained focused and professional.”

Authorities later indicated that those responsible took “sick and premeditated” measures to obscure Banks’ identity, calling this one of the most unsettling cases they have encountered. Details of these actions have not been released.

Banks’ identity was confirmed on July 7, and investigators met her family that evening to share the news. Sheriff Moser remarked, “This case reflects our investigators’ relentless pursuit of the truth. While no announcement can alleviate the pain of this loss, we hope this identification provides some answers to her loved ones.”

The investigation continues as authorities collaborate with the Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and ATF, but they have stated that they are not seeking other suspects.

After being identified, Banks’ family expressed the depth of their loss through a GoFundMe, describing her as much more than the circumstances of her passing. Likewise, Macomber’s family conveyed their heartbreak, detailing the ordeal of searching for him as a “nightmare” no one should endure.

Macomber’s family remembered him as deeply loved, with an enormous heart, always expressing his love for those around him.

While the investigation remains active, authorities are not pursuing additional suspects at this time.