Second man arrested after 19-year-old missing woman found dead in Essex

ESSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A second person was arrested in connection to the 19-year-old missing woman found dead in Essex County early in Dec. 2024.

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search for 19-year-old Gabriella Watkins on a large piece of land in Essex, near Church Hill and Desha roads.

They eventually found human remains now believed to be Watkins.

Following this discovery, 20-year-old Abraham Medina of Westmoreland County was arrested. He was charged with one count of transporting, concealing and/or altering a dead body. Medina is being held without bond until his next court appearance.

A week later, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, deputies made another arrest in connection to Watkins' death. According to the sheriff's office, 35-year-old Phillip Owens of Westmoreland was arrested charged with one count of transporting, concealing and/or altering a dead body.

Like Medina, Owens is being held without bond until his next court appearance.