4 arrested after missing Hopewell 18-year-old found dead in Caroline pond

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Four people have been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old Hopewell man who was found dead in a Caroline County pond earlier this week after his loved ones reported him missing.

On Thursday, March 26, 18-year-old Jayden Michael McComber of Hopewell was reported missing under “suspicious circumstances.” Days later, on Tuesday, March 31, deputies with the Caroline County Sheriff's Office found his remains while searching Byrd Millpond near the boundary line between Caroline and King and Queen counties.

McComber's death has been linked to another recent homicide case in Caroline -- one investigators previously described as "deeply disturbing," as those responsible for the unidentified female's death used “sick and deliberate” methods to conceal her identity.

On Thursday, April 2, Caroline authorities arrested four people in connection with McComber's death: 23-year-old Rashad Mayfield of Henrico County, 20-year-old Devonti Pettaway of Chesterfield County, 18-year-old Kennady Lambert of Hopewell and 19-year-old Jaden Phillips of Richmond.

MORE: ‘Beautiful soul,' Family and high school remember Jayden McComber, found dead in Caroline pond

These arrests came after Caroline deputies, alongside officers with the Henrico County Police Division and the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, responded simultaneously to two residences in Henrico County.

The first residence, a home on Brilland Court, is believed to be connected to Mayfield.

"During the search of the home, investigators seized personal items believed to have been in Jayden McComber’s possession at the time he went missing," the sheriff's office said.

U.S. Marshals took Mayfield into custody during a traffic stop. A handgun was found on his person.

The remaining three suspects were arrested at the second residence, an apartment on Kenway Avenue.

"At this time, investigators believe these four individuals are responsible for McComber’s murder, and there are no outstanding warrants for any additional suspects," the sheriff's office said.

Caroline County Sheriff Scott Moser told 8News that, at this time, none of these suspects is facing charges in connection with the unidentified female's death.

Moser also provided the following statement on this investigation:

"This has been a complex and difficult investigation, and I am extremely proud of the relentless work our investigators have put in that led to these arrests. While nothing can undo the loss suffered by Jayden’s family, we hope these actions bring them a measure of justice and accountability. We are also very grateful for the assistance of our partner agencies, especially the Virginia Beach Police Department, the Henrico County Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service, as well as the valuable assistance provided by the Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, who worked closely with us throughout this investigation. We also appreciate the members of the public who came forward with information. Their support has been critical in helping us move this case forward, and our office remains committed as this case proceeds through the court process.”

The sheriff's office also provided additional clarity about the leads investigators have been pursuing as they continue to look into this case. Specifically, authorities explained that McComber's truck -- which he was believed to have possession of at the time of his disappearance -- was found on Saturday, March 28 in Virginia Beach.

"This information was not released earlier due to the potential negative impact such disclosure could have had on the investigation," the sheriff's office said. "The vehicle was thoroughly processed for forensic evidence and yielded valuable investigative leads that assisted in locating Jayden’s remains and identifying those believed to be responsible."

No additional information is available as of the time of reporting.