Ocean View Murder Suspect Captured in Portsmouth

Norfolk, VA - Police have charged and arrested the suspect from a recent deadly Ocean View shooting. Jamal Branch, 22, was captured in Portsmouth last night by U.S. Marshals along with the Norfolk and Portsmouth fugitive squads.

On the evening of May 21, 2017, Norfolk police responded to a shooting in the 1100 block of E. Ocean View Avenue. A male victim was found suffering from gunshot wounds and died as a result of the shooting. On June 7, Norfolk police charged Branch with second degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in connection to the shooting. U.S. Marshals were asked for assistance in arresting Branch.

The investigation into Branch’s whereabouts quickly turned to a residence in the city of Portsmouth. Around 5:30 last night, investigators from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, along with members of both the Norfolk and Portsmouth fugitive squads arrested Branch without incident at a residence in the 200 block of Dale Drive.

Branch is being held at the Norfolk City Jail.

The U.S. Marshals-led Fugitive Task Force consists of law enforcement officers from the U.S. Marshals, Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office, Newport News Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department and Norfolk Police Department. The main objective of the task force is to seek out and arrest violent offenders with outstanding federal and state warrants.

The U.S. Marshals Service, America’s first federal law enforcement agency, arrested more than 25,000 federal fugitives, 63,000 state and local fugitives and 11,000 sex offenders in 2016. Our investigative network and capabilities allow for the unique ability to track and apprehend any fugitive who attempts to evade police capture, anywhere in the country.