Woman's remains identified by DNA in Virginia, exposing second alleged murder linked to same 4 suspects
The four suspects accused of killing a Virginia teenager are now facing charges in a second homicide after investigators identified a woman whose remains remained a mystery for more than three months, revealing what authorities say were two connected, premeditated killings.
Helen Marie Pullen Banks, 56, of Culpeper, was identified through "extensive and complex DNA analysis" completed July 7, after her remains were discovered March 27 on private property in Caroline County, according to the sheriff's office.
Authorities announced this month that Rashad Antonio Mayfield, 21, Devonti Gregory Pettaway, 19, Jaden Lamont Phillips, 20, and Kennady Jade Lambert, 18, have each been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and use of a firearm in the commission of murder in Banks' death.
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All four suspects were already being held without bond after being charged with murder in the death of 18-year-old Jayden McComber.
Investigators say they suspected early in the case that the two homicide investigations were linked.
McComber disappeared the same day Banks' remains were discovered. His vehicle was recovered the following day in Virginia Beach with assistance from the Virginia Beach Police Department, according to the sheriff's office.
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Authorities said the vehicle was thoroughly processed and produced "valuable investigative leads" that helped investigators locate McComber's remains and identify the suspects.
McComber's body was found March 31 in a pond near the Caroline County line.
During an April 2 search of a Henrico County residence believed to be associated with Mayfield, investigators recovered personal belongings thought to have been in McComber's possession when he disappeared, authorities said.
Mayfield was arrested on charges during a traffic stop conducted while investigators were searching the residence. Authorities said a handgun was seized from his possession, though they have not disclosed whether the firearm has been linked to either homicide.
Pettaway, Phillips and Lambert were arrested during a simultaneous operation at an apartment on Kenway Avenue in Henrico. Caroline County investigators were assisted in the arrests by the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Following the arrests, Sheriff Scott Moser described the case as a "complex and difficult investigation" and praised the "relentless work" that led authorities to the four suspects.
The sheriff's office said ballistic testing performed with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later produced forensic evidence linking the two murders.
Investigators say both Banks and McComber knew at least one of the suspects before they were killed. However, authorities said they have uncovered no evidence that either victim had a conflict or dispute with the suspects over what investigators described as "premeditated and deliberate acts."
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive or said whether Banks and McComber knew one another.
When Banks' remains were first discovered, the property owner who found them was "understandably shaken" and did not approach the body before calling 911, according to the sheriff's office.
"This is a deeply disturbing case," Moser said at the time. "The scene our deputies and investigators encountered was difficult, but they remained focused and professional from the moment they arrived."
The sheriff's office later alleged that those responsible had taken "sick and deliberate" measures to conceal Banks' identity, calling it one of the more disturbing cases investigators had encountered. Authorities have not publicly detailed those alleged measures.
Banks' identity was formally confirmed July 7, and investigators met with her family that evening to notify them.
"This case reflects the relentless commitment of our investigators to pursue the truth," Moser said after announcing the identification. "While no announcement can ease the pain of this loss, we hope today's identification of Helen Marie Pullen Banks provides at least some measure of answers for her loved ones."
The investigation has also involved the Caroline County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, FBI and ATF. Authorities said they are not searching for any additional suspects, though the case remains active.
The sheriff's office said Banks' family was notified of her identification on July 7 after DNA testing confirmed her identity.
Banks was born in Charlottesville and lived in Rixeyville, according to her obituary. She is survived by five children, her mother, two siblings, 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a large extended family.
"Helen was so much more than the circumstances surrounding her passing," her family wrote in a GoFundMe established to help cover memorial expenses. "She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother."
McComber's family also remembered the 18-year-old in a GoFundMe created after his death, describing the week-long search for him as "a nightmare no family should ever have to live through."
"Jayden was so deeply loved," his family wrote. "He had the biggest heart and made sure the people around him knew it. He never missed a chance to say 'I love you,' and those words mean everything to us now."
The investigation remains active, though authorities say they are not seeking additional suspects.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Caroline County Sheriff's Office, the Caroline County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the FBI, ATF, the Virginia Beach Police Department and court officials for additional information.