A woman's body has been discovered in a garbage truck days after she was reported missing.
Family members of Taty’ana Zakiyyah Cooks became concerned after the 30-year-old mom failed to pick up her child from daycare on March 21, as reported by NBC Washington.
Residents in the Woodbridge area told outlets that they recall seeing the young mother with her children, while others claimed that a relative of hers was at her complex, and was visibly shaken while on the phone to police.
"That was very unusual behavior for her. She’d never done that before. That’s obviously very concerning for us," Lt. Jonathan Perok of the Prince William County Police Department said. "It’s not like a mother to not pick up their child."
Law enforcement launched an investigation and found that the 30-year-old's belongings were still in her home but she was nowhere to be seen.
Police later learned that her car was allegedly being driven by an acquaintance, later identified as Brendon Devon White.
"An individual who she had a prior relationship with was actually operating her vehicle, which was also unusual," Perok said, adding that the vehicle was seen in the Newport News and Hampton Roads area.
Prince William County police confirmed to PEOPLE that White and Cooks were in a previous relationship, but were still living together in the same home.
Investigators also found evidence that led them to a dumpster near the victim's building. The day's trash collection had already happened, but detectives were able to stop the garbage truck, Prince William County Police revealed in a press release.
Tragically, the mother's body was found inside the truck on Friday (March 22) - a day after her family called police to conduct a welfare check.
The 28-year-old man who was seen driving in her car was later arrested by police and has now been charged with murder. "We have been able to tie him to her death and have charged him," police shared.
According to FOX 5, White has a long rap sheet including kidnapping, strangulation, assault battery, and firearms charges.
Cooks' grieving family has put out a statement about their loved one, writing: "Tatyana was a fun-loving and beautiful person. She was overjoyed to be a mother and equally anxious to be an aunt!"
"She was a great big sister/sister-cousin and good friend. You couldn’t ask for a better daughter or niece. We appreciate all of the love and support we are receiving from family and friends. At this time, the family are asking for time to mourn," they added, per FOX 5.
Police officers have urged people to call right away if they’re concerned about a loved one. "In Virginia, at least, there is no 24-hour wait. We actually would prefer you call us right away," Perok said.
A hearing for Cooks' suspected former boyfriend is scheduled for later this week. It is unclear if he's retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
Our thoughts go out to her family and loved ones at this time.
