Woman's remains identified by DNA in Virginia, exposing second alleged murder linked to same 4 suspects

The 4 suspects accused of sidesplitting a Virginia teenager are now facing charges successful a 2nd homicide aft investigators identified a female whose remains remained a enigma for much than 3 months, revealing what authorities opportunity were 2 connected, premeditated killings.

Helen Marie Pullen Banks, 56, of Culpeper, was identified done "extensive and analyzable DNA analysis" completed July 7, aft her remains were discovered March 27 connected backstage spot successful Caroline County, according to nan sheriff's office.

Authorities announced this period that Rashad Antonio Mayfield, 21, Devonti Gregory Pettaway, 19, Jaden Lamont Phillips, 20, and Kennady Jade Lambert, 18, person each been charged pinch first-degree murder, conspiracy to perpetrate execution and usage of a firearm successful nan committee of execution successful Banks' death.

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Authorities opportunity Kennady Jade Lambert, Devonti Gregory Pettaway, Jaden Lamont Phillips and Rashad Antonio Mayfield are charged successful nan murders of Helen Marie Pullen Banks and Jayden McComber. (Google Maps/Caroline County Sheriff's Office, VA)

All 4 suspects were already being held without enslaved aft being charged pinch execution successful nan decease of 18-year-old Jayden McComber.

Investigators opportunity they suspected early successful nan lawsuit that nan 2 homicide investigations were linked.

McComber disappeared nan aforesaid time Banks' remains were discovered. His conveyance was recovered nan pursuing time successful Virginia Beach pinch assistance from nan Virginia Beach Police Department, according to nan sheriff's office.

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Jayden McComber was 18 years aged erstwhile he was killed successful March 2026, according to investigators. (Virginia State Police)

Authorities said nan conveyance was thoroughly processed and produced "valuable investigative leads" that helped investigators find McComber's remains and place nan suspects.

McComber's assemblage was recovered March 31 successful a pond adjacent nan Caroline County line.

During an April 2 hunt of a Henrico County residence believed to beryllium associated pinch Mayfield, investigators recovered individual belongings thought to person been successful McComber's possession erstwhile he disappeared, authorities said.

Mayfield was arrested connected charges during a postulation extremity conducted while investigators were searching nan residence. Authorities said a handgun was seized from his possession, though they person not disclosed whether nan firearm has been linked to either homicide.

Pettaway, Phillips and Lambert were arrested during a simultaneous cognition astatine an flat connected Kenway Avenue successful Henrico. Caroline County investigators were assisted successful nan arrests by nan U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.

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Following nan arrests, Sheriff Scott Moser described nan lawsuit arsenic a "complex and difficult investigation" and praised nan "relentless work" that led authorities to nan 4 suspects.

The sheriff's agency said ballistic testing performed pinch assistance from nan Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later produced forensic grounds linking nan 2 murders.

Investigators opportunity both Banks and McComber knew astatine slightest 1 of nan suspects earlier they were killed. However, authorities said they person uncovered nary grounds that either unfortunate had a conflict aliases conflict pinch nan suspects complete what investigators described arsenic "premeditated and deliberate acts."

Authorities person not disclosed a imaginable motive aliases said whether Banks and McComber knew 1 another.

When Banks' remains were first discovered, nan spot proprietor who recovered them was "understandably shaken" and did not attack nan assemblage earlier calling 911, according to nan sheriff's office.

"This is simply a profoundly disturbing case," Moser said astatine nan time. "The segment our deputies and investigators encountered was difficult, but they remained focused and master from nan infinitesimal they arrived."

Helen Marie Pullen Banks' personality remained chartless for much than 3 months earlier investigators identified her done DNA analysis. (Found and Sons Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service)

The sheriff's agency later alleged that those responsible had taken "sick and deliberate" measures to conceal Banks' identity, calling it 1 of nan much disturbing cases investigators had encountered. Authorities person not publically elaborate those alleged measures.

Banks' identity was formally confirmed July 7, and investigators met pinch her family that evening to notify them.

"This lawsuit reflects nan relentless committedness of our investigators to prosecute nan truth," Moser said aft announcing nan identification. "While nary announcement tin easiness nan symptom of this loss, we dream today's recognition of Helen Marie Pullen Banks provides astatine slightest immoderate measurement of answers for her loved ones."

The investigation has besides progressive nan Caroline County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, FBI and ATF. Authorities said they are not searching for immoderate further suspects, though nan lawsuit remains active.

The sheriff's agency said Banks' family was notified of her recognition connected July 7 aft DNA testing confirmed her identity.

Banks was calved successful Charlottesville and lived successful Rixeyville, according to her obituary. She is survived by 5 children, her mother, 2 siblings, 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and a ample extended family.

Helen Marie Pullen Banks, 56, was identified done DNA testing aft her remains were discovered successful Caroline County. (GoFundMe)

"Helen was truthful overmuch much than nan circumstances surrounding her passing," her family wrote successful a GoFundMe established to thief screen memorial expenses. "She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother."

McComber's family besides remembered nan 18-year-old successful a GoFundMe created aft his death, describing nan week-long hunt for him arsenic "a nightmare nary family should ever person to unrecorded through."

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"Jayden was truthful profoundly loved," his family wrote. "He had nan biggest bosom and made judge nan group astir him knew it. He ne'er missed a chance to opportunity 'I emotion you,' and those words mean everything to america now."

The investigation remains active, though authorities opportunity they are not seeking further suspects.

Fox News Digital has reached retired to nan Caroline County Sheriff's Office, nan Caroline County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, nan Virginia Office of nan Chief Medical Examiner, nan FBI, ATF, nan Virginia Beach Police Department and tribunal officials for further information.