Investigators say the suspected shooter knew at least one victim, but they have not disclosed the relationship or a possible motive.
CHESTERFIELD, Va. — A morning shooting at a highway equipment yard left two Virginia Department of Transportation contractors dead and opened an investigation that authorities say may be tied to a domestic matter.
Rai’Shon Eugene Delarge, 30, and Philip Avery Wilson, 34, both of Emporia, were working for a company contracted by VDOT when they were shot July 24 at a staging area along Route 1 near the Route 288 entrance ramps. Virginia State Police later identified 37-year-old Dennikia Rachelle Boyce as the suspect and obtained a murder charge against her.
The first call to police came shortly before 9:30 a.m. Troopers arriving at the equipment yard found two men who had been shot. One was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was taken to a hospital and died later that day.
The suspected shooter had left before officers arrived, beginning a search that remained active a week later. Police initially withheld the suspect’s name and description while investigators worked to identify and locate the person believed responsible.
Sgt. Jessica Shehan said during the initial response that investigators believed the shooter knew at least one of the victims. State police later said the early evidence pointed to a domestic connection, although officials have declined to describe the relationship involving Boyce and the men.
The term “domestic related” has not been explained further by investigators. Authorities have not said whether Boyce was related to either victim, had a current or former personal relationship with either man or had another connection to the equipment yard. Police also have not announced a confirmed motive.
State police publicly identified Boyce on July 30 and said she was wanted on a murder charge connected to the shooting. The agency described her as a Black woman who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.
Authorities released additional images the following day as local, state and federal agencies continued trying to locate her. Virginia State Police spokesperson Robin Lawson said investigators were receiving tips and using partnerships among law enforcement agencies to move the case forward.
Police have not confirmed whether another person took part in the shooting or helped Boyce after she left the equipment yard. They also have not publicly identified a vehicle, disclosed her suspected direction of travel or said where investigators believe she may be staying.
The shooting occurred in a work area near a busy highway interchange rather than at a private residence. Police activity temporarily affected the Route 1 area while troopers examined the scene. The location’s connection to a VDOT project placed the two victims at the yard as employees of an outside contractor, according to state police.
Boyce remained wanted as the investigation entered its second week. Police warned that anyone who sees her should not approach her and should call 911. Until she is arrested, the murder charge remains an allegation that has not been tested in court.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 1, 2026.