Human remains found in Metzger case

Published 7:59 am Monday, July 23, 2018

Human remains found in connection with a missing 19-year-old Pamplin woman, currently under examination with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, have resulted in the arrest of four people in total.

Keelyn R. Codynah, 23, of Spotsylvania, Robert P. Keating, 25, of Spotsylvania and David W. Newton, 20, of Fredericksburg have each been charged with one count of accessory to murder in connection with the disappearance of Megan Lorraine Metzger, of Pamplin, a release from Virginia State Police cited Sunday. The three suspects are currently held at Rappahannock Regional Jail in Stafford County without bond.

Juan Benavidez II, 19, of King George, was apprehended early Friday morning by Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, according to a previous Herald report, and was charged him with a felony count of arson of a vehicle. The white 2004 Mazda 4-door sedan that Benavidez was charged with setting on fire and completely destroying was registered with a family member of Metzger.

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Human remains were discovered at different locations in the Fairview Beach community of King George County Saturday and were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination, autopsy and positive identification, the release cited.

The remains and these arrests are being investigated in connection with Metzger’s disappearance. It has not yet been confirmed whether the remains belong to Metzger.

Virginia State Police reported in an earlier news release that it issued a Critically Missing Adult Alert Thursday for Metzger.

Metzger is a white female with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 150 pounds. She has a 5-inch scar on her right arm.

The alert cited that it is believed Metzger has been abducted and is in danger. It is possible she may need medical attention. She was last seen Tuesday, July 17.

The incident remains under investigation, the release from Virginia State Police cited. Additional charges are pending consultation with the Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Those with information about the case are encouraged to call 911 or Westmoreland County Master Detective Jones at (804) 493-8066 or Virginia State Police in reference to the missing person case at (804) 553-3445.