BOYKINS, Va. (WAVY) — A Franklin fugitive on the run for nearly a year was caught by U.S. Marshals in Southampton County.
Tashawnda Drayton, also known as 23 Brazy, was taken into custody Tuesday morning on Brookside Drive in Boykins. Marshals said on Thursday that a relative opened the door to the apartment where Drayton was found, exited the apartment, and then Drayton surrendered.
Drayton faces a slew of charges, including a first-degree murder charge in connection to the killing of a 10-year-old Franklin boy last summer.
Drayton was taken into custody at Brookside Square Apartments.
One woman who asked that we conceal her identity told us she had just stepped out her door with a cup of coffee and was met with dozens of U.S. Marshals. They pulled her aside and showed her a flyer with Drayton’s photo.
“They had gotten a tip saying that she was here in this complex, saying that she was actually in my building and asked me if I knew anything about it and I said no I didn’t know nothing about it,” the woman told WAVY.
Soon after, the woman and her children watched as officers started banging on the door of a nearby apartment where Drayton was found hiding. The neighbor ushered her children inside and they took cover in case Drayton was armed.
“It was scary, it was very, very scary,” the woman said.
She watched in disbelief as Drayton was escorted away from the building.
“There’s a lot of children out here and the fact that they had her here,” the woman stated.
10 On Your Side caught up with the grandfather and great aunt of 10-year-old La’Marj Holden–who police say was shot and killed by Drayton last August.
“So close to home, she was right there in Boykins,” said Holden’s grandfather Dannie Barnes.
Boykins is about 15 miles from Franklin.
“In the end, you always get caught so why not just let her face the music,” said Joann Mason, Holden’s great aunt.
U.S. Marshals have previously told us family members were helping Drayton hide. We’re working to learn if any others were arrested, and how many people were inside the apartment.
“We are very thankful to the commitment and the dedication of the U.S. Marshals and their unwavering in trying to find Miss Drayton. We are truly indebted to them for what they’ve done for us in the city of Franklin,” said Franklin’s Chief of Police Steve Patterson.
For months, U.S. Marshals put out a $20,000 reward for anyone whose tip resulted in Drayton’s capture. Though Marshals said no one will receive the money due to there being no credible tips.
Drayton’s being held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk.