Investigation of Virginia Beach couple’s killing led to child porn charges for family member, but now they’ve been dropped

Child porn charges brought against a man who went missing after his brother and sister-in-law were found dead in Virginia Beach were withdrawn Friday.

The Virginia Beach commonwealth’s attorney opted to “nolle prosse” charges against 20-year-old Collin Rodgers during a hearing in General District Court.

While Rodgers has dodged prosecution, spokesperson Macie Allen said the charges can be refiled at any time if investigators find sufficient evidence.

Rodgers was arrested April 15 in The Bronx borough of New York City and was later extradited to Virginia Beach. He was arraigned May 4.

Virginia Beach police were searching for Rodgers as a missing man for about two weeks following the killing of his brother and sister-in-law, Talon Rodgers and Alisa Wash.

The couple, both 23, were found dead inside their apartment April 4 in the Thalia Gardens Apartments and Townhomes complex off Bonney Road in Virginia Beach. Both had been shot. Police have not identified a suspect in the homicide.

While investigating the case, Virginia Beach police learned Collin Rodgers hadn’t been seen by his family since March 27, about a week before the bodies were found. The department issued an alert on April 6 that described him as an “endangered adult,” and asked for help locating him.

The homicide investigation is what led to the child pornography charges, Melissa Johnston, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Beach Police Department, said at the time.

Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com

Jane Harper contributed to this report.