Who is Tashawnda "23 Brazy" Drayton? Rapper pleads guilty in 2023 Franklin child murder case

Tashawnda Drayton, known by her stage name “23 Brazy,” is a rapper from Hampton Roads, Virginia. Drayton gained attention in the music world locally but became more widely known for her involvement in a serious crime. In 2023, Drayton was linked to the shooting death of a 10-year-old boy in Franklin, Virginia.

Tashawnda Drayton was wanted on several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and firearms offenses. For months, the case was followed closely as law enforcement searched for her across states. After nearly a year on the run, she was arrested in June 2024 in Boykins, Virginia.

In 2025, Drayton reportedly entered a guilty plea. This plea included second-degree murder and other charges. The sentencing is set for later in December 2025.

Tashawnda Drayton's Shooting Incident

According to WTKR News on September 30, 2025, the shooting occurred on August 9, 2023, at a Franklin home. Tashawnda Drayton and four other people had entered the home of a man. A fight erupted and Drayton reportedly opened fire. One male was shot and a child of 10 years old, La’Marj Holden, was shot. The child was rushed to the hospital but was reportedly pronounced dead 3 days later.

The Tidewater News reported on October 1, 2025, that Drayton was charged with murder, malicious wounding and firearms offenses. Initially, the prosecutors sought murder charges of first degree. The guilty verdict subsequently altered the first degree charge to second-degree murder.

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Arrest and legal proceedings

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, on June 12, 2024, Tashawnda Drayton had been at large almost a full ten months. According to the law enforcement, it was a multi-state manhunt. Drayton was later caught and arrested in Boykins, Virginia at an apartment. A task force was used in carrying out the arrest and included U.S. Marshals and local police.

According to The Tidewater News on March 25, 2025, Drayton was later referred to a mental health evaluation as a result of the case. Drayton subsequently admitted guilt to second-degree murder, malicious wounding, attempted murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Sentencing will take place in December 2025.

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Tashawnda Drayton, aka 23 Brazy, entered a guilty plea that brought a case to a close, which began when a young child died in 2023. The shooting, the manhunt and the eventual arrest have continued to make the case news in over two years. The last step in the criminal process that is the sentencing will take place in December 2025.

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