U.S. Marshals Arrest Portsmouth Homicide Suspect

Norfolk, VA – United States Marshal Robert W. Mathieson announces the capture of Raynard Brown. Brown was wanted by Portsmouth Police Department for the murder of Jamal Spratley which occurred on June 6th.

In the early morning hours of June 6th, Portsmouth Police responded to a shooting on the 2700 block of Chicago Avenue. Jamal Spratley was found suffering from a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead on scene. Portsmouth Police Department quickly identified Raynard Brown as the suspect, and warrants were obtained for first degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The Portsmouth Fugitive Apprehension Unit quickly began investigating Brown’s whereabouts. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force assisted with the manhunt and together developed information that Brown was hiding out with associates in Newport News. On June 11th, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force set up surveillance around a house on the 900 block of 17th street in Newport News, along with officers from the Newport News Gang and Fugitive Units. Investigators were able to confirm that Brown was inside of the residence, and around 1:00pm Brown was taken into custody in the entryway of the house without incident.

“The quick arrest of this dangerous fugitive highlights both the great investigative work in swiftly identifying the suspect, and also the result of Hampton Roads law enforcement agencies coming together to take a suspected murderer off the street just days after the shooting,” said U.S. Marshal Bobby Mathieson.

Brown is currently being held at Portsmouth 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 oldest federal law enforcement agency, arrested more than 33,700 federal fugitives, 71,000 state and local fugitives and 11,600 sex offenders in 2014. 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.