Murder Charges Filed in 2024 Missing Person Investigation

In a previous update, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) announced the arrests of two individuals in connection with the concealment of the body of Martell Andre Lamar (M/42) of Currituck County, NC. Today, we can announce additional charges related to Mr. Lamar.

On July 21, 2025, a Virginia Beach Grand Jury certified direct indictments against Antwaine Branch (M/35) of Elizabeth City, NC, for Second-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Branch, who is still in custody, was served with the indictments on July 23, 2025.

The investigation began on July 2, 2024, when Lamar was reported missing in Currituck County. As the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office investigated his disappearance, evidence surfaced linking the case to a suspected fatal shooting near the Pungo Ferry Bridge in Virginia Beach.

VBPD detectives began investigating and eventually identified Ashley Walton (F/35) of Currituck County as being involved. She was arrested on November 19, 2024, and charged with Concealment of a Dead Body.

On December 2, 2024, human remains were discovered near Sandy Road in Elizabeth City, NC. VBPD detectives identified Antwaine Branch as an additional suspect; he was arrested on January 25, 2025, and charged with Concealment of a Dead Body. On March 4, 2025, the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory confirmed the remains to be those of Martell Andre Lamar.

Following the confirmation, detectives worked diligently to build a homicide case. Investigators compiled and presented additional evidence to the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Office for prosecutorial review. As a result, direct indictments were secured, bringing murder charges forward against Branch.

“This case reflects the strength of regional collaboration and our shared commitment to justice,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “We are grateful for the outstanding support from the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory. Their efforts were instrumental in helping us bring a resolution to this case and justice to Mr. Lamar and his family.”

Note: The charges mentioned in this press release are accusations. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.