Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

**UPDATE: The murder suspect has been arrested, according to Prince Edward County Sheriff Tony Epps **

Felony warrants have been issued and police across the region are searching for 34-year-old Maceo Andre Johnson. The Farmville resident is considered a murder suspect, linked to the shooting death of Jermain Haskins. 

According to Prince Edward County Sheriff Tony Epps, the incident happened on Saturday, April 27. Haskins, himself a 34-year-old Farmville resident, was found dead at a home in the 1000 block of Fairgrounds Road. Deputies were called out after a report of shots fired came in. Soon after, Johnson was identified as a suspect in the case and the K-9 units were deployed, with support also provided by the Virginia State Police Aviation unit, attempting to determine where Johnson went after allegedly fleeing the scene.

The search soon determined Johnson had fled the larger area. Epps said the search has expanded, as Johnson has ties in the Farmville, Blackstone and Richmond areas. Multiple agencies are being asked for assistance in locating the suspect. 

Epps said that Johnson is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who spots him is asked not to engage, but instead to call either the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office at 434-392-8101, Crimesolvers at 434-392-3400. You can also call 911 and report spotting the murder suspect. 

A murder suspect and beyond

A look at Johnson’s record shows a series of arrests and convictions dating back almost 20 years in Richmond and Prince Edward County. In 2008, he was convicted of robbery in Richmond, with 18 of his 20-year sentence suspended. He took a plea deal in 2015 that saw charges of possession with intent to sell and distribute marijuana dropped. Since then, court records show a number of cases involving alleged probation violations, the latest of which had been scheduled for a hearing in Richmond City Circuit Court on Friday, April 26. Johnson no-showed that hearing, after which a capias was issued, ordering his arrest. 

Anyone with any information about Johnson’s whereabouts or the shooting is asked to call the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office or Crimesolvers. You can provide information anonymously.