ROANOKE, Va. – A days-long manhunt continues for a Marine wanted for the alleged murder of his mother’s boyfriend.
The search for 22-year-old Michael Brown has spanned from Franklin County to South Carolina to Roanoke, where search efforts are currently focused.
Local and federal agencies are assisting in the search.
What led to this manhunt?
Authorities believe Michael Brown murdered his mother’s boyfriend, Rodney Brown, who was found in the couple’s Franklin County home around noon Saturday.
Michael Brown is wanted on two charges: second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Brown now also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
As the search continues, the U.S. Marshals are offering a $10,000 reward for information. If you have any information please call 911 or the USMS tips line at 1-877-926-8332.
The Latest:
Before 11 p.m. - The FBI, aided by Roanoke police, raided Brown’s grandmother’s house on Tillet Road in Roanoke.
Around 7 p.m. - Roanoke City Police release this statement about the day’s events.
6:08 p.m. - The RV believed to belong to Brown is being towed away from the scene.
6:03 p.m. - Roanoke City Schools will be open on Friday. The district says that police has said it will be safe to have school.
4:28 p.m. - While police are following up on numerous tips related to the search for Brown, law enforcement is not actively investigating any tips in the town of Vinton. Therefore, Vinton police have no reason to believe Brown is in Vinton.
3: 34 p.m. - The shelter in place for the Grandin Road area near Patrick Henry High School has been lifted, but police urge those who live in that area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Below is a timeline of how this case has progressed:
Thursday, Nov. 14
Early Thursday morning, just before 1 a.m., officers reportedly found an RV they believe was towing Michael’s town car in Roanoke near St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, near Grandin Village.
The search for Brown prompted authorities to place the area within a half-mile radius of Patrick Henry High School under shelter in place status.
All Roanoke City Public Schools closed as a precaution, as well as other local schools and businesses.
A reverse 911 call was placed to all residents in the area around 4:40 a.m. to alert them of possible danger in the area and urge them to shelter in place.
Authorities did not originally clarify why schools were closed and the shelter-in-place status was enacted, but just after 7 a.m., Roanoke Police Chief Tim Jones held a press conference announcing the search for Michael.
According to Jones, authorities received a call around 4 a.m. when a resident on Tillet Road SW reported a suspicious person tapped on his or her.
Officers responded to the call, which is when they found the RV near the church. They believe that Brown used the RV to get from South Carolina to the Roanoke area.
Around 9:45 a.m., officers with Virginia State Police reported possible “military devices” were found inside the RV.
The Virginia State Police Bomb Squad reportedly went out to the scene to inspect the RV.
According to police, there are two propane tanks outside the RV that are leaking.
A man was also reportedly spotted with a rifle in the nearby area. Authorities have not provided any further information on if this sighting is related to the search for Brown or not.
Brown’s grandmother lives on Tillet Road in Roanoke which is why much of Thursday’s search efforts were been focused there.
Authorities believe Michael is looking for alternate forms of transportation in the Roanoke area, including taxis, Ubers, buses and cars. They also believe that he is armed and dangerous, saying “he has access to shoulder-held, high capacity weapons. We can only assume that he has others.”
“He knows how to maneuver around, he knows how to change his location, he is not afraid to change his look, so everyone please remain vigilant,” said Jones. “If you see someone who you think may be the suspect, call 911.”
Jones is urging residents who have to leave despite the shelter in place to be diligent and to “keep your head on a swivel.” He also says anyone who is out and about Thursday to keep an eye out.
On Thursday morning, friends of Michael Brown hired attorney Deborah Caldwell-Bono to represent him. Caldwell-Bono issued a public plea to her client to surrender to authorities.
At 3 p.m., the shelter in place for the Grandin Road area was lifted, but authorities reminded residents to stay vigilant.
Roanoke City Public Schools announced Thursday afternoon that schools will be open Friday.
Before 11 p.m. Thursday, the FBI, aided by Roanoke police, raided Brown’s grandmother’s house on Tillet Road in Roanoke.
Watch the Roanoke Police Department’s 1 p.m. Thursday news conference:
On Thursday, the Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton also issued a statement regarding the continuing search for Brown:
“The Michael Brown search continues. This situation is so fluid right now, we are encouraging all Franklin County residents to monitor their local television, radio and print media for the latest updates. Because events are moving so fast, by the time we post an item, it could be old news or incorrect in a short span of time. Stay alert and vigilant.”
As the search continues the U.S. Marshals offered a $10,000 reward for information.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
On Wednesday, we learned more about Brown’s service record with the Marines.
Brown is listed as active duty (deserter) by the Marine Corps.
He received the Marine Corps ‘Good Conduct’ Medal, among other distinctions including a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
On Wednesday evening, one of Brown’s cars was found in South Carolina.
Monday, Nov. 11
Neighbors told 10 News that they believe Michael Brown had recently found out that Rodney Brown was not his father after believing his whole life that he was.
Sunday, Nov. 10
On Sunday night, U.S. Marshals learned that Brown was driving an RV and pulling a trailer in Clarendon County, South Carolina.
Later that night, agents say they found an enclosed trailer abandoned on the side of Governor Richardson Road in Clarendon County.
Investigators say they discovered a 2008 black Lincoln Town Car inside. Authorities believe Brown used that vehicle at some point.
Investigators seized the car and obtained a search warrant.
Saturday, Nov. 9
The investigation began when Rodney Brown, the boyfriend of Michael Brown’s mom, was found dead in his Franklin County home around noon Saturday.
Michael was last stationed at Camp Legeune in North Carolina. Around Oct. 18, Michael deserted his post at Camp Lejeune, where he served as a combat engineer.
On the day of the crime, authorities say Brown was seen in a 2008 Lincoln Town Car at a local store in Franklin County.
Authorities say it’s unclear why Michael Brown allegedly committed the crime.
Original Story published Thursday morning
Neighborhoods near Patrick Henry High School have been asked to shelter in place, according to the Roanoke Police Department.
Authorities say that officers are investigating a situation near the school, but have not clarified what that situation is.
According to police, neighborhoods within a half-mile radius of Patrick Henry High School have been told to shelter in place.
Authorities urge anyone who lives in the area to make sure their doors are locked and to report any suspicious activity.