In a previous update, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) announced the arrests of two individuals in connection with the concealment of Martell Andre Lamar’s body. Today, additional charges related to Mr. Lamar have been announced.
On July 21, 2025, a Virginia Beach Grand Jury certified direct indictments against Antwaine Branch of Elizabeth City, NC. He faces charges of Second-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Branch remains in custody and was served with the indictments on July 23, 2025.
The investigation began on July 2, 2024, when Lamar was reported missing in Currituck County. The Currituck County Sheriff’s Office investigated his disappearance and found evidence linking it to a suspected fatal shooting near Pungo Ferry Bridge in Virginia Beach.
VBPD detectives identified Ashley Walton from Currituck County as involved. She was arrested on November 19, 2024, charged with Concealment of a Dead Body.
Human remains were discovered near Sandy Road in Elizabeth City on December 2, 2024. VBPD detectives identified Antwaine Branch as an additional suspect; he was arrested on January 25, 2025 for Concealment of a Dead Body. On March 4, 2025, the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory confirmed that the remains belonged to Martell Andre Lamar.
Following this confirmation, detectives worked to build a homicide case. Additional evidence was presented to the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Office for review. As a result, direct indictments were secured against Branch for murder charges.
“This case reflects the strength of regional collaboration and our shared commitment to justice,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “We are grateful for the outstanding support from the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory. Their efforts were instrumental in helping us bring resolution to this case and justice to Mr. Lamar and his family.”
Note: The charges mentioned are accusations; all individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
