State and federal law enforcement partners are searching for a woman wanted after two highway contractors were fatally shot.
CHESTERFIELD, Va. — Virginia State Police released new images of a 37-year-old woman wanted on a murder charge as the search for her entered a second week following the fatal shootings of two Virginia Department of Transportation contractors.
Dennikia Rachelle Boyce remained at large Friday, one week after Rai’Shon Eugene Delarge, 30, and Philip Avery Wilson, 34, were shot at an equipment yard along Route 1 near the Route 288 entrance ramps. Both men were from Emporia and worked for a company contracted by VDOT.
Troopers were called to the equipment yard shortly before 9:30 a.m. July 24 after receiving a report of a shooting. They found both men suffering from gunshot wounds. One died at the scene, and the second was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
State police identified Boyce as the suspect nearly a week after the shooting and said a murder charge had been obtained against her. Authorities described her as about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Investigators believe Boyce knew at least one of the victims. The early investigation indicated the shooting was connected to a domestic matter, but police have not explained the nature of the relationship or released information showing what led to the violence.
Virginia State Police spokesperson Robin Lawson said investigators could not confirm whether anyone else was involved. A motive also had not been established publicly. Lawson said additional information could be released after Boyce is taken into custody.
The search has involved local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers have conducted ground patrols while investigators review tips from the public, Lawson said. Authorities have not disclosed the specific areas being searched or said whether they believe Boyce remains in Virginia.
Police urged anyone who sees Boyce not to approach her. State police said a sighting should be reported immediately to 911. Other information may be given to Virginia State Police by dialing #77 from a cellphone or contacting the agency’s Richmond Field Office.
The investigation began during a weekday morning near two heavily traveled highways. The shooting drew a large police response and affected traffic while investigators processed the equipment yard and surrounding area. Police said the suspected shooter left the scene before troopers arrived.
Boyce had not been reported in custody as of Friday evening. The murder charge is an allegation, and no court proceedings can begin unless she is located and arrested. State police said the investigation and search remain active.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 1, 2026.