A July 17, 2018 gathering in Spotsylvania County, Virginia ended with the death of 19-year-old Megan Metzger. Newton, Juan Benavidez III, Keelyn R. Codynah and homeowner Robert Keating—were using methamphetamine when Newton became paranoid after finding a probation office business card in Metzger’s purse and accused her of being a police informant. Newton then shot Metzger in the face in the home’s basement.

After the killing, Newton, Benavidez and Codynah are said to have dismembered and burned Metzger’s body and scattered remains in multiple locations. Keating reportedly disposed of the murder weapon. Benavidez was arrested following an incident in which he set Metzger’s car on fire and later led police to locations where remains were found. Newton, Codynah and Keating were also arrested.

Court outcomes reported include Newton convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 40 years; Benavidez sentenced to 13 years; Codynah 16 years; and Keating 21 years. Did anyone who knew Megan or who was in that social circle in 2018 notice tensions or substance use that summer?