NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Police have charged three people with murder in connection to the death of Asia Cowell, a Norfolk teen found dead in Newport News in September after she was reported missing.
Newport News police announced Wednesday they arrested 30-year-old Crystal Ashley Rudy Albritton, of 7400 block of W. Kenmore Drive in Norfolk, around 9:40 a.m. Wednesday at NNPD headquarters. She’s been charged with first-degree murder, abduction by force, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, criminal solicitation and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Police say petitions were secured against the other suspect, an 18-year-old female who was a juvenile at the time of Cowell’s death. She’s been charged with first-degree murder, abduction by force, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and conspiracy to commit a felony.
On Friday, police announced another suspect had been charged with murder, 38-year-old Devin Aris Albritton, also of the 7400 block of W. Kenmore Drive. He was arrested at Newport News Police Headquarters on Thursday and charged with one count of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit felony.
Cowell’s family has asked for privacy, but issued a statement about the arrests:
“We are very pleased and overjoyed to hear the news regarding the arrest of several suspects in our dear Asia Cowell’s case. We would like to thank the diligent and hard-working law enforcement officials of the Newport News Police Department and the Norfolk Police Department. We would also like to thank the Hampton Roads community and beyond for all the prayers and outpouring of support we have received over the past several months. All of you are very much appreciated.”
Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew issued a press release thanking his detectives and everyone involved in bringing some closure for the Cowell family. “They have worked tirelessly alongside Norfolk Police detectives to exhaust all leads and find those responsible. Thank you to Chief Boone with Norfolk Police and our partners at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.”
Newport News Police said Cowell was found dead near the woods in the area of Warwick Boulevard and Fort Eustis Boulevard on September 23. She was last seen in Norfolk on September 7.
“I am thankful for the unwavering determination for justice that the women and men of NNPD and NPD have devoted to this case,” said Norfolk Police Chief Larry D. Boone. “Asia’s murder struck me emotionally. As a father, I couldn’t imagine the pain the Cowell Family has gone through these past few months. I hope that these arrests will help start the healing process in the midst of their suffering and that the family knows we will continue to support them.”