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Roanoke, Virginia, manhunt: Shelter-in-place order lifted, search continues for murder suspect

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Cox Media Group National Content Desk

ROANOKE, Va. — Officials closed all public schools in Roanoke, Virginia, Thursday as police searched for a former U.S. Marine accused of killing his mother's boyfriend in nearby Franklin County.

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Press Conference regarding active situation in Roanoke, VA Roanoke Police Department - VA

Posted by City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government on Thursday, November 14, 2019

Sheriff's deputies said Michael Alexander Brown, 22, is wanted on suspicion of shooting and killing Rodney Wilfred Brown, 54, last week at the home his mother and Brown shared in Hardy.

Here are the latest updates:

Update 3:20 p.m. EST Nov. 14: Roanoke City Public Schools officials said the shelter in place order was lifted Thursday afternoon after a search for Michael Alexander Brown, 22, turned up no sign of the man.

Authorities said Brown is wanted on a second-degree murder charge following the shooting death last week of his mother's boyfriend, Rodney Wilfred Brown, 54. He remained at large Thursday afternoon.

Update 9:30 a.m. EST Nov. 14: Officials with the U.S. Marshals Service are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Michael Alexander Brown, 22.

Franklin County sheriff's deputies said Brown is wanted on a charge of second-degree murder after his mother's boyfriend, 54-year-old Rodney Wilfred Brown, was found shot dead last week at his home in Hardy. Deputies said Brown deserted his post last month at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he served as a combat engineer.

Thursday's search was prompted by the discovery of his car on a road in Roanoke, officials said.

"It was unknown where Michael may be headed or where he has been staying since leaving his post," deputies said Sunday in a news release. "He has been known to live in the woods and frequent National Parks and National Forests. He is believed to be armed with a high-powered rifle and may have access to other weapons."

Deputies urged anyone with information on Brown's whereabouts to contact authorities at 540-483-6662.

Update 8:17 a.m. EST Nov. 14: According to WSET, Roanoke police believe Michael Alexander Brown, who is wanted on a murder charge, was "in the Roanoke area" and may be armed.

According to NBC News, Brown, 22, is facing a second-degree murder charge in the Saturday shooting death of 54-year-old Rodney Brown.

Police said Michael Brown, who had been a combat engineer at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune before he deserted last month, "is most likely on foot and possibly looking for transportation," WSET reported.

The suspect, who is white with brown hair and blue eyes, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 145 pounds, WDBJ reported.

Original report: Police in Virginia are "actively investigating a situation" near a Roanoke's Patrick Henry High School, authorities said early Thursday. As a result, all of the district's public schools are closed, WFXR and WDBJ are reporting.

Please return for updates.

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