Sheriff’s office urges Franklin County murder suspect to surrender

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — The search for a man accused of murdering his mother’s boyfriend in Franklin County is still focused in Virginia and North Carolina, but authorities say the search is now nationwide. They are also urging Michael Brown to turn himself in.

Deputies believe 54-year-old Rodney Brown was shot and killed by his live-in girlfriend’s son, 22-year-old Michael Alexander Brown, just before noon on Nov. 9. They say there is no apparent motive in the murder and that Michael remains at-large.

Agencies involved in the search include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and NCIS, along with numerous local agencies.

“Brown could be on the move and the search could expand as evidence and tips continue to come in,” the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said in an email to WFXRtv.com.

The sheriff’s office said in an email that it is “urging Michael to turn himself in to local law enforcement” or to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 352-5139 “to arrange to safely turn himself in.”

Photos released Tuesday, Nov. 12, show Michael Brown at a Franklin County convenience store on Nov. 9, the day of the homicide. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

This is the Lincoln Town Car Michael Brown may be driving. (Photo: Courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities say Michael Brown was spotted at a Franklin County convenience store on the day of the murder. (Photo: Courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities say Michael Brown was spotted at a Franklin County convenience store on the day of the murder. (Photo: Courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities say Michael Brown was spotted at a Franklin County convenience store on the day of the murder. (Photo: Courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)

Michael Brown is a Marine, last stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and deserted his post as a combat engineer around October 18, according to deputies.

They say Michael has been known to live in the woods and frequent National Parks and Forests. He is believed to be armed with a high-powered rifle and may have access to other weapons.

Anyone who comes into contact with Michael Brown should use extreme caution and contact law enforcement immediately. He has recently been driving a 2008 black Lincoln Town Car with a possible NC license plate, EHP-4877. Anyone with information on this homicide or the location of Michael Alexander Brown is urged to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 352-5139.