QUANTICO, Va. -- Over a year has passed since Airman 1st Class Makai Cummings was killed while changing a tire on a dark Virginia interstate, and the Office of Special Investigations Det. 216 is asking for the public’s help to solve the case.
On Monday, May 8, 2023, Cummings, 20, was killed while changing a tire on his 2011 blue Infiniti sedan on the southbound lanes of I-295 near mile marker 37.80 in Hanover County, Virginia, on Richmond’s I-295 road.
He was returning to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, after a visit home to Baltimore, Maryland.
Phone records indicate at 1:45 AM Cummings texted his family. Afterward, he called two family members at 1:56 AM. At 2:11 AM the police received a call about the incident and they arrived on the scene at 2:16 AM.
Despite these timeline details, few answers have emerged surrounding the incident. OSI Special Agents are encouraging anyone who may have been traveling in this area or know anything about this incident to step forward.
“We urge anyone who was traveling on I-295 during this time and may have information about this incident to please come forward,” said Special Agent Saphana Rodriguez, OSI Det. 216 crime scene investigator. “Any details, no matter how small, could help solve this case and bring closure to the family and loved ones of A1C Cummings.”
“Makai’s passing has left a huge hole in our hearts and a major void in our lives,” said Rotina Lacy, Makai’s mother. “He was loved by his family and friends and had so many plans for his future. He loved his family and was always encouraging others to do better and reach for the stars. The family pleads that if anyone has any information concerning his death to please come forward.”
If you have any information on this case, please contact the OSI Det. 216 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, with any information at 919-722-1218.