Person on Interest in Hardy Murder Considered ‘Armed and Dangerous’

On November 9, 2019 at approximately 12:00 PM, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting call on Woodthrush Circle in the Hardy community of Franklin County. The call was placed by a family member that found the home owner deceased at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office has determined a person of interest. His name is Michael Alexander Brown with a last known address of Woodthrush Cir. In Hardy, VA. Michael Brown owns a 1976 Cadillac which is white in color. There are no license plates registered to Michael and his direction of travel is currently unknown. Anyone coming in to contact with Michael Brown should use extreme caution and notify local law enforcement immediately. The case is currently under investigation and additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available. Anyone with information on this homicide or the location of Michael Alexander Brown is urged to contact Sgt. Nolen at 540-483-6662.

Update 11/9/19, 10:08 PM: Please be advised that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has received additional information that indicates Michael Brown is no longer operating the white Cadillac. New information obtained this evening is that he parked the white vehicle a while back and may possibly be operating a black 2008 Lincoln Town Car. 

Update 11/10/19, 1:00 PM: On 11/9/19 just before noon, Rodney Brown was shot and killed at his residence on Woodthrush Cir. in Hardy, VA. The suspect is Michael Alexander Brown, the son of Rodney Brown’s live in girlfriend. It is currently unclear why Michael would have killed Rodney. Michael is a former Marine and was last stationed at Camp Lejeune in NC. Around October 18, 2019, 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. He is believed to be armed with a high-powered rifle and may have access to other weapons. Anyone having 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 Sgt. Nolen at 540-483-6662.