‘Armed’ marine deserter wanted for ‘shooting mother’s lover’ is on the run and ‘hiding in woods’
AN armed and dangerous marine deserter wanted over the savage slaying of his mother’s boyfriend is still at large.
Michael Alexander Brown, 22, who abandoned his post in North Carolina last month, is suspected of shooting his mom’s live-in lover Rodney Wilfred Brown, 54 at the victim’s home.
It was reported that a family member raised the alarm when they discovered the victim’s lifeless body, WFXR-TV reported.
It has been claimed the suspect could be hiding out in woods close to the crime scene, in Franklin County, Virginia and could be armed with a high-powered rifle, CNN reported.
The cold-blooded killing occurred shortly before 12 p.m and authorities issued a warrant for Brown’s arrest on charges of second-degree murder and the use of a firearm two days later.
Charges could be changed if detectives establish a motive for the crime.
Brown abruptly left his post at Camp Lejeune on Oct. 18 and has since been spotted lurking in local parks and forests over the past two weeks.
‘ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS’
The Craven County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office have warned the public that the former combat engineer is armed and extremely dangerous.
Cops released security footage that appeared to show Brown in a convenience store on Saturday – although it was unclear where the shop was.
He is believed to be operating a high-powered rifle but he may have access to other weapons.
They are also on high alert because Brown’s last known address was in the area.
Michael Brown could be headed anywhere and everyone should be aware and on the lookout
Capt. Phillip Young
Although Brown of Craven Street in New Bern, North Carolina was initially thought to be driving a 1976 white Cadillac with no registered plates, he is now believed to be driving a 2008 black Lincoln Town Car with a North Carolina registration (EHP-4877).
“We will send additional information out as soon as it becomes available,” Capt. Phillip Young of The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office told The Sun Online on Monday afternoon.
“While our focus is in Virginia and North Carolina, Michael Brown could be headed anywhere and everyone should be aware and on the lookout.”
“I cannot say if his intent is to harm someone else or not but we cannot be sure until we have him in custody,” Young added.
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Meanwhile, Kenneth Meador, a neighbor of the murder victim, told WDBJ 7 that his wife has been traumatized by the grisly events that occurred just a few blocks away from his home.
“I was just startled that it was him and just so close to home, you just don’t think about that happening in your neighborhood,” Woodthrush Drive resident Meador told the station.
“My wife is very upset about it, she’s scared.”
Anyone with information on Michael Alexander Brown’s whereabouts is urged to contact Sgt. Nolen at 540.483.6662 and to exercise extreme caution if they come into contact with him.