57°
Brandon Devon White, 30, has been accused of the murder of his girlfriend Taty’ana Zakiyyah Cooks, whose body was found in a trash collection truck in March, officials say.
The two were reportedly in a relationship and had been living together at the time. She was reported missing on March 21 when she failed to pick up her 1-year-old son from daycare, prompting a missing person investigation that ended with a grisly discovery.
The following day, detectives stopped and secured a trash collection truck where the victim’s body was later found, authorities said.
White was eventually identified as a suspect and later arrested by Newport News police.
During the investigation, detectives learned Cooks' car was being driven by White, an acquaintance, which was found in Hampton Roads/Newport News City. Her belongings, however, were still inside her Woodbridge home.
According to an NBC4 Washington report, in court this week, it was determined Cooks' body was stuffed into a suitcase after White allegedly strangled her and tossed the package into a dumpster following a reported altercation.
He reportedly pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. He is scheduled to face a grand jury in August.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Leesburg and receive free news updates.
