The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office made a gruesome discovery this week, potentially uncovering the remains of Gabriella Dawn Watkins, a 19-year-old who had been missing for nearly two months in Virginia.
An extensive search took place on Tuesday, Jan. 28, around 8 a.m., on a large piece of land next to Church Hill Road and Desha Road in Essex County. The objective was to locate Watkins, who has been missing since December and has not been in contact with anyone.
After several hours, authorities discovered what they believe to be the remains of Watkins. The body was then transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further investigation.
Following the recovery of the body, officers arrested Abraham Medina, 20, of Oak Grove in Westmoreland County, and charged him with one count of transporting, secreting, concealing, or altering a deceased body.
He did not receive any bond, and the court has already scheduled his first appearance.
The sheriff’s office has reported that Watkins has been missing since December 6, 2024, in the Placid Bay Subdivision.
She was believed to have left in a gray sedan with an unknown person, and her phone was later discovered to no longer be functioning.
The investigation is currently underway, and there may be additional charges in the future.