On the morning of May 11, 2021, 18-year-old Brittney J. Peyton was found dead on the kitchen floor of an Abbington West Apartments unit on Beth Road in Henrico, Virginia, with a gunshot wound. Henrico Police responded to an emergency call about 7:42 a.m. and discovered Peyton deceased.

Investigators identified a suspect the same day and arrested 18-year-old Benjamin A. Newton, described as Peyton’s boyfriend, at a nearby Walmart. Newton was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter and shooting within an occupied dwelling. Family members told authorities the relationship had been tumultuous and that Peyton had reported instances of physical abuse.

Prosecutors say Newton’s account shifted during the investigation; he first denied involvement and was later heard in a jail call saying he accidentally shot Peyton while cleaning a gun. Newton pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and drug possession and was sentenced in August 2022. Peyton’s family said they were deeply grieved and felt the sentence did not match their loss.

Did anyone who knew Brittney or the couple see signs of the relationship turning violent before May 11, 2021?