CHESTERFIELD — A 37-year-old woman suspected of fatally shooting two Virginia Department of Transportation contract workers in July has been returned to Virginia custody after a U.S. Marshals-led arrest in North Carolina, Virginia State Police confirmed Wednesday.
Authorities say Dennikia Boyce is accused of killing Phillip Wilson and Rai’shon DeLarge on July 24 near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 288 in Chesterfield County. Boyce was taken into custody on Sept. 10 in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, and was extradited back to Virginia on Sept. 22.
Arrest, charges and detention
Virginia State Police said the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Boyce after receiving tips that placed her in an apartment complex outside Scotland Neck, then locating her at a nearby residence. Scotland Neck is about 50 miles south of the Virginia state line.
Boyce, a resident of Emporia, faces two counts of second-degree murder in Chesterfield County. In addition, she is charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for leaving the state after the shootings, authorities said.
She is being held in the Chesterfield County Jail. Her next scheduled court appearance is set for Nov. 12.
Investigation status and context
State police told reporters they believe the shooting was domestic-related and that Boyce was acquainted with at least one of the victims. Beyond that, officials have released limited details as the investigation and prosecution proceed.
Chesterfield residents and coworkers of the victims have been left grappling with the loss. Local transportation crews provide critical road maintenance and construction across the county, and the killings prompted questions about worker safety on and near busy corridors like Route 1 and Route 288.
- Victims: Phillip Wilson and Rai’shon DeLarge.
- Incident date: July 24.
- Arrest date: Sept. 10, Scotland Neck, N.C.
- Extradited to Virginia: Sept. 22.
- Charges: Two counts second-degree murder (state); unlawful flight to avoid prosecution (federal).
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 24 | Shootings that killed two VDOT contract workers near Route 1 and Route 288. |
| Sept. 10 | U.S. Marshals arrested Dennikia Boyce in Scotland Neck, N.C. |
| Sept. 22 | Boyce extradited to Chesterfield County Jail, Virginia. |
| Nov. 12 | Next scheduled court appearance. |
Law enforcement cooperation
The case underscores routine interstate cooperation among local police, state police and federal agencies when a suspect crosses state lines. The U.S. Marshals Service often assists with apprehension and transport of fugitives who have fled to other jurisdictions to avoid prosecution.
Virginia State Police did not immediately say whether additional arrests or charges are expected, or whether evidence recovered during the North Carolina arrest will be introduced in Chesterfield County proceedings. Prosecutors typically disclose such details at arraignment or in subsequent filings.
Community impact and next steps
For families, colleagues and the broader Chesterfield community, the extradition of a suspect brings the criminal case closer to trial but does not replace the need for answers about motive and circumstances. Court dates, plea negotiations and potential trial proceedings will unfold in Chesterfield County General District and Circuit Court, where judges and prosecutors will handle pretrial matters.
Anyone with information about the July 24 incident who has not yet spoken to investigators is encouraged to contact Virginia State Police or local law enforcement. Authorities often rely on tips from witnesses or neighbors to fill in details surrounding violent incidents.
This story will be updated as public records, court filings and official statements from investigators become available.
Nathaniel Okafor is the state correspondent for WE NEWS covering Virginia.
