ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY — The death of 18-year-old Aonesty Selby, whose body was discovered on a logging road in Isle of Wight County on Jan. 13 after she was reported missing, has been ruled a homicide.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Norfolk completed its autopsy Monday, finding Selby died as a result of a single gunshot wound.
Selby’s body was found Friday by patrol deputies responding to a report in the area of Blue Ridge Trail.
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.
Selby turned 18 on Jan. 10, and was thought to be in the company of several individuals just before her death, officials said.
Investigators had been 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. Takeyia De’Shay Berry, 39, 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 continue to ask anyone who may have information as to Selby’s 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 $1,500. 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.
