Marine now wanted for second-degree murder of mom's boyfriend in Franklin County

He reportedly abandoned post last month

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – A Marine is now wanted for the second-degree murder of his mother's boyfriend. 

Authorities say Michael Brown is wanted for the homicide of Rodney Brown, who was found dead in his home around noon Saturday. He is also charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 

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. He has been seen in and around Franklin County in the past two weeks.

Authorities urge the public to use extreme caution if they come in contact with Brown, who is considered to be armed and dangerous. 

The United States Marine Corps said that Brown is not in possession of his Marine Corps-issued service rifle and that no Marine Corps weapons have been identified as absent from his unit's armory.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Services is now assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 540-352-5139. 


UPDATE 11/10 1:30 P.M.

The Franklin County Sheriff's office has identified the homeowner as Rodney Brown. 

The suspect, Michael Brown, is the son of Rodney's girlfriend. 

Deputies say it's unclear why Michael would have killed Rodney.

Michael is a Marine and 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. He has been seen in and around Franklin County in the past two weeks. 

It is unknown where Michael may be headed or where he has been staying since leaving his post. He has been known to live in the woods and frequent national parks and national forest areas. 

He is believed to be armed with a high-powered rifle and may have access to other weapons.

Deputies say Micheal has recently been driving a 2008 black Lincoln Town Car with a possible NC license plate, EHP-4877.

A photo of Brown was taken from the surveillance camera at a local shop on Saturday. 


UPDATE 11/9/19 8:30 P.M.

The Franklin County Sheriff's office says it has received new information that Brown is no longer operating the white Cadillac. 

Deputies now say he may be driving a black 2008 Lincoln Town Car. 


The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man after someone was found dead inside their home around noon Saturday. 

Officials responded to a shooting call on Woodthrush Circle in Franklin County. The call was placed by a family member who found the homeowner dead at the scene. 

Deputies believe the shooter is Michael Brown, 22.

Brown owns a 1976 white Cadillac. There are no plates registered to Brown, and his direction of travel is currently unknown. 

Deputies say anyone who comes in contact with Brown should use extreme caution and notify law enforcement immediately. 

The case is currently under investigation. 

Anyone with information should call Sgt. Nolen at 540-483-6662.Â