In the summer of 2018, a gathering in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, took a dark and tragic turn, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Megan Metzger. On July 17th, Metzger was at the home of Robert Keating with several other young adults, including David W. Newton, Juan Benavidez III, and Keelyn R. Codynah. The group was reportedly using methamphetamine when Newton, in a state of paranoia, accused Metzger of being a police informant after finding a probation office business card in her purse.
This false accusation led to a fatal confrontation in the basement of the home, where Newton shot Metzger in the face, ending her life. What followed was a gruesome attempt to conceal the crime. Newton, along with Benavidez and Codynah, participated in the dismemberment and burning of Metzger's body. They scattered her remains in multiple locations to avoid detection. Keating, the owner of the home where the murder occurred, contributed to the cover-up by disposing of the murder weapon.
The investigation into Metzger's disappearance quickly led law enforcement to the individuals involved. Juan Benavidez III was arrested after setting Metzger's car on fire, a key piece of evidence that unraveled the horrific events. He eventually led police to the locations of Metzger's remains. Subsequently, Newton, Codynah, and Keating were also arrested for their roles in the murder and the extensive cover-up.
The legal proceedings brought justice for Megan Metzger and her family. David W. Newton was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison for pulling the trigger. The others involved received significant sentences for their parts in the aftermath of the murder. Juan Benavidez III was sentenced to 13 years, Keelyn R. Codynah received 16 years, and Robert Keating was sentenced to 21 years for charges including being an accessory to murder and defiling a dead body.
