NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Newport News police have arrested a man accused in the murder of a Woodbridge, Virginia woman, according to the Prince William County Police Department.
Brendon Devon White, 28, of Woodbridge, Virginia has been arrested and charged with murder of 30-year-old Taty’ana Zakiyyah Cooks.
White had a previous address in the Cottage Grove Apartments off Jefferson Boulevard until a few years ago. The man who now lives at White’s previous address did not want to go on camera, but said he still gets White’s mail.
Another Cottage Grove resident, Freddy Gonzales, was shocked to hear the news.
“To hear that there was a possible murder suspect picked up is astounding because you never know who’s around you, and you can’t judge a book by its cover,” Gonzales said.
On Thursday, police responded to the 12200 block of Stevenson Court in Woodbridge for the report of a missing woman.
Officers learned that Cooks’ family was concerned because she did not pick her child up from daycare.
An investigation revealed that Cooks’ vehicle was being driven by White in Newport News.
“To be in her vehicle, wow, the audacity,” Gonzales said. “It’s a lot of gall.”
Last Friday, March 22, while investigating the area near Cooks’ home, detectives stopped and secured a trash truck, where they found her body.
Detectives also discovered evidence that pointed to White’s involvement with Cooks’ death.
Newport News police took White into custody March 22.
10 On Your Side has reached out to Newport News Police, who said White was taken into custody around 4:30 p.m. that day in Newport News, for the charges out of Prince William County. They did not have additional information to provide.
White faced charges of strangulation and kidnapping five years ago in Newport News, but those charges were set aside. 10 On Your Side has reached out to his defense attorney at the time to find out why and will update this story.
