Fourth suspect arraigned in Jayden McComber killing

Kennady Jade Lambert is the fourth person charged in the murder of the Hopewell High School student.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:38pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a small, unidentifiable object related to the Jayden McComber murder case, sharply lit by a direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.As the investigation into Jayden McComber's murder continues, the harsh flash of a camera captures a grim clue that may hold the key to uncovering the truth.Petersburg Today

A fourth suspect, 19-year-old Kennady Jade Lambert of Hopewell, has been arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Jayden Michael McComber. Lambert is being held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail, where the three other suspects are also in custody. McComber went missing from his Richmond Street residence on March 25 and was found dead six days later near a pond in Caroline County.

Why it matters

The arrest of a fourth suspect in this high-profile murder case has further shaken the Hopewell community, where McComber was a popular student set to graduate this year. The case has raised concerns about youth violence and the need for greater resources to support at-risk youth.

The details

Lambert was arraigned on April 6 in Caroline County General District Court. She and three other suspects - Devonti Gregory Pettaway, 20, of Chesterfield County; Jaden Lamont Phillips, 19, of Richmond; and Rashad Antonio Mayfield, 23, of Glen Allen - were all arrested on April 2 at two separate locations in Henrico County. The four suspects face charges in McComber's death, whose body was found near the Caroline-King & Queen County line on March 31.

  • Jayden McComber went missing from his Richmond Street residence on the night of March 25.
  • McComber's body was found six days later, on March 31, near a pond close to the Caroline-King & Queen County line.
  • The four suspects were arrested on April 2 at two separate locations in Henrico County.
  • Kennady Jade Lambert was arraigned on April 6 in Caroline County General District Court.
  • A memorial service for Jayden McComber is set for 11 a.m. on April 11 at Hopewell High School.

The players

Kennady Jade Lambert

A 19-year-old from Hopewell who has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jayden McComber.

Devonti Gregory Pettaway

A 20-year-old from Chesterfield County who has been charged in the murder of Jayden McComber.

Jaden Lamont Phillips

A 19-year-old from Richmond who has been charged in the murder of Jayden McComber.

Rashad Antonio Mayfield

A 23-year-old from Glen Allen who has been charged in the murder of Jayden McComber.

Jayden Michael McComber

An 18-year-old Hopewell High School student whose body was found near a pond in Caroline County after he went missing on March 25.

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What’s next

The four suspects will make their next court appearance on July 17.

The takeaway

This tragic case has deeply impacted the Hopewell community, highlighting the need for greater resources and support to address youth violence and prevent such senseless acts. As the community mourns the loss of Jayden McComber, there are calls for justice and a renewed focus on providing at-risk youth with the tools and opportunities they need to make positive choices.