The body of a missing Virginia 18-year-old Aonesty Selby was found on a dirt logging path in a remote area of Isle of Wight County late Friday, according to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.
Patrol deputies responding to a report in the area of Blue Ridge Trail in Windsor found the body of the black female, later confirmed to be Selby, according to the sheriff’s office.
Earlier in the day, family members had reported Selby missing, saying they had not heard from her since Wednesday, Jan. 11. James City County Police Department (JCCPD) issued a news flash to the public to be on the lookout for her.
“We are encouraging the public to be on the lookout for Aonesty Selby, an 18-year-old Black female (5 feet 11 inches, 160 pounds) who was reportedly last seen by family on Wednesday, Jan. 11,” the JCCPD alert read. “She may be accompanied by a male named ‘Darius Jones’ or a male by the name of ‘Tyrique’ (spelling/pronunciation may be inaccurate) in the Williamsburg, Hampton, or greater Hampton Roads area.”
Selby turned 18 on Jan. 10, and was thought to be in the company of several individuals just before her death, officials said.
The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Norfolk for an autopsy, the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office said, and until a cause and manner of death are confirmed by the medical examiner, investigators are treating the incident as a suspicious death.
The family suffered another tragedy just over a year ago when Selby’s aunt and 3-year-old niece were killed in a shooting in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. 39-year-old Takeyia De’Shay Berry and her 3-year-old daughter Allura Pledger, of the Outer Banks, were killed when gunfire erupted on a neighborhood street.
“Lord my family is hurting right now. So many questions unanswered. You never know how strong you are until being strong IS your ONLY choice,” Selby’s aunt, Ebony Selby, wrote in a public Facebook post Saturday.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information as to her whereabouts between Jan. 11 and Jan. 13 to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK- U-Up or to utilize the P3 Tips App. Tips may also be submitted online at p3tips.com. Information leading to an arrest can earn a cash reward of up to $1500. Callers may remain anonymous and do not have to appear in Court.
JCCPD is working with the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available, the sheriff’s office said.
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