Robert Bowers with the U.S Marshals Service spoke exclusively with News 3's Kelsey Jones on the moments leading up to Drayton's arrest.
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"It feels good," said Bowers. "When we spoke last time I told you that the Marshals Service wouldn't rest until Tashawnda Drayton is in custody and we meant it."
On Aug. 9, 2023, four people, including Drayton, showed up at a man's house in the 300 block of Artis Street, according to Franklin police. Officials say there was an argument between the man and Drayton, ending with Drayton shooting him.
Both the man and La'Marj were taken to the hospital, according to police. The man was treated and released, but La'Marj died from his injuries in the hospital, police say.
Drayton was arrested just before 11 a.m. in the 32000 block of Brookside Drive at Brookside Square Apartments in Boykins — a town in Southampton County about 20 miles outside of Franklin. The U.S. Marshals Service told News 3 that a relative was hiding her.
"Her family member came out, and I heard Drayton's voice from the top of the stairs saying she was coming out, and she came down the stairs and surrendered," said Bowers.
U.S. Marshals Service
At this time, it is unclear if the relative will be charged. U.S. Marshals and Franklin police say that's up to the Commonwealth's Attorney.
"They could be charged with harboring a fugitive or aiding and abetting a fugitive," Bowers added.
When Kelsey sat down with Bowers back in April of this year, he said they believed other relatives of Drayton were helping to hide her on the East Coast.
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Franklin community remembers 10-year-old shooting victim
Though there were a lot of moving parts to this investigation, what remains the same was Bowers' promise to the 10-year-old's family to arrest Drayton.
"On a case like this where a juvenile is involved, it means a little more and you put a little effort into it to give the family some closure," Bowers said.
The U.S. Marshals Service says they're taking her to Franklin police, and she'll get transferred to Western Tidewater Regional Jail.
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Wednesday, in an effort to learn more about what happened, a News 3 reporter attempted to speak with Drayton's relatives who U.S. Marshals suspect of helping Drayton. They refused to comment and forcefully told News 3 not to return.
Although an arrest was made, those living near where Drayton was picked up in Boykins also said they were wary of speaking on camera due to potential retaliation.
U.S. Marshals Service
News 3 also met with La'Marj's grandparents Wednesday. They sat next to a photo of La'Marj lovingly displayed in their living room and spoke of what the months have felt like since the shooting.
While they were relieved to know the suspect was in custody, they wished Drayton had come forward before now. They said the arrest brought up emotions from the day La'Marj died but it also brings them one step closer to closure.
Drayton was wanted for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, threat to burn or damage a building, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharge of a firearm in a public place, according to U.S. Marshals.
She's still facing those charges following her arrest, U.S. Marshals say.
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