Why was 23 Brazy arrested? US Marshals hunted the rapper for 10 months, $20,000 reward money offered for her capture

Rapper 23 Brazy was arrested by US Marshals on June 18 (Tuesday) from Boykins, a town in Southampton County located 15 minutes away from Franklin. The accused was reportedly hiding at a relative's place. Brazy has been charged with the murder of a 10-year-old boy, La’Marj Deshawn Holden.

The authorities were chasing Brazy, legally named Tashawnda Nicole Drayton, for 10 months. The authorities also offered a reward of $20,000 for any information that led to her arrest.

23 Brazy was reportedly involved in a shooting case in Franklin on August 9, 2023. She killed a 10-year-old boy and injured a 37-year-old man during the shooting.

As per the authorities, the rapper along with four others went to the older victim's house on August 9. There was some disagreement or altercation which led to Brazy firing shots that killed the child and injured the man. The victims were taken to a local hospital where the boy succumbed to his gunshot wound.

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What are the charges faced by 23 Brazy for the alleged murder of a 10-year-old?

According to US Marshalls, 23 Brazy has multiple charges, such as first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, malicious wounding, shooting, threatening to damage property, illegal possession of a firearm and use of a firearm in a public place.

The rapper was out on bail when the August 2023 shooting incident took place. Previously, she had been charged with destruction of property, attempted malicious wounding, and grand larceny.

Shortly after 23 Brazy's arrest, Robert Bowers from the US Marshall Service gave an exclusive interview to News 3, revealing more details about the moments leading to the rapper's arrest.

"It feels good. 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."

US Marshalls arrested 23 Brazy in a small town called Boykins before 11 am on June 18. She was reportedly living at a relative's place at the 32000 block of Brookside Drive at Brookside Square Apartments. Boykins is a small town situated around 17 miles outside Franklin, where the shooting incident took place.

Bowers told News 3 that Drayton surrendered after her family came out.

"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."

Bowers could not confirm whether Brazy's relatives will face charges for providing refuge to the rapper and that it is up to the discretion of the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Previously this year in April, Robert Bowers had told News 3 that he believed Drayton's relatives were hiding her. The authorities had promised the deceased child's family that justice would be served and they delivered.

"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."

The US Marshall Service stated Drayton was under the custody of the Franklin Police. However, she will soon be transferred to the Western Tidewater Regional Jail.

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23 Brazy's mother Stacy Smith said the rapper would surrender eventually

Back in August 2023, WAVY had spoken with Stacy Smith, 23 Brazy's mother. Smith had said that justice will prevail if the police do their investigation properly.

“There is more than one side of a story. When the police do their investigation thoroughly, I believe my child is going to turn herself in and we will let justice prevail."

The deceased boy's grandfather, Dannie Barnes, had told WAVY earlier that he felt sorry for those who were harboring 23 Brazy. He urged them to turn her in. Holden's grandmother, Dorthy Fugham, said that the police should never have let Drayton out on bail.

“They should never have let her out. They never should have let her out. For her to do the stuff she did to my grandson who was only a baby. He was nothing but a baby.”

Holden's father spoke up after 23 Brazy's arrest on Tuesday night. He remained anonymous but told 13 News Now that he's relieved to hear about the rapper's arrest.

“When I heard this news, it was really like a celebration. This [is] the start of the healing, but I’m still going through grief... my son wasn’t nothing but 10 years old, innocent, and they took him away. But I’m glad they found the person that did that. I’ve been hoping for this for a whole 10 months now.”

He also urged for those who helped Drayton hide to face charges.