A cousin of a Virginia teen whose body was found behind her home last month was recently indicted on charges related to the 17-year-old’s disappearance and death.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that a grand jury indicted Anton Deonte Coleman, 21, on charges of first-degree murder and abduction with intent to defile in connection with the slaying of 17-year-old Ke’Asia Adkins. Reports indicated that Coleman lived about 11 miles away from the victim.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Adkins was reported missing on June 25 after she failed to turn up for her high school cheerleading practice. Her remains were located near her home three days following her disappearance.
A medical examiner determined that Adkins’ cause of death was asphyxia and ruled it a homicide. Prosecutor Ann Cabell Baskervill recently said they believe the teen was dead for three days before she was found.
Despite this, authorities haven’t revealed a motive in last month’s slaying.
READ More: UPDATE: Cousin charged with abducting teen cheerleader found dead behind home
An ankle bracelet might’ve been crucial in police swiftly making an arrest in this case. The Dispatch reported that Coleman was free on bond but was being monitored following an earlier incident involving his parents.
According to records obtained by the newspaper, Coleman had assaulted his mother and punched and stabbed his stepfather at their Chesterfield home on June 8.
Baskervill said the GPS monitor was placed on Coleman before his release on June 13 and that he was wearing it when police arrested him on June 28. The bracelets can track someone within six feet, she said.
Coleman is being held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for August 21.
[Featured image: Anton Coleman, Ke’Asia Adkins/Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office]