Portsmouth Police Press Conference on Elliott Avenue Homicide Investigation - September 30, 2026

On September 30, 2026, at 6:45 PM, Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins held a press conference to provide a comprehensive update on the investigation into the disappearance and death of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., whose remains were discovered at 3404 Elliott Avenue. The conference outlined a detailed timeline, addressed rumors, and concluded with the announcement that suspect Gregory Coffey had been taken into custody.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The victim’s mother stated that her son was a good, loving person with children and grandchildren. She expressed anger and a desire for justice, saying she wanted his killer to face severe punishment and also called for the release of her nephew Raymond Poole from jail.
• Another family member echoed the call for justice, described the victim as caring, and condemned the actions of Gregory Coffey. They also urged the public to keep the family in prayer and expressed relief that Coffey had been captured.

Discussion Items

• Chief Jenkins presented the following timeline:
  • September 1-2: Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., an unhoused individual, was last seen on September 1. A missing persons report was filed on September 2 by his brother Raymond Poole.
  • September 3: Poole went to 3404 Elliott Avenue, where he shot homeowner Gregory Coffey. Coffey was hospitalized and later released.
  • September 11: Poole was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder for the shooting.
  • September 21: Based on a citizen tip and further investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the property.
  • September 22: While executing the warrant, investigators discovered what were believed to be human remains.
  • September 23: The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the remains were human.
  • September 25: A multi-agency excavation (FBI, NCIS, Virginia State Police, and several local police departments) recovered burned and decomposed human remains and body parts from outside the home.
  • September 28: The remains were identified via fingerprint comparison as Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. Arrest warrants were issued for Gregory Coffey for first-degree murder and desecration of a body.
• Jenkins addressed community rumors, clarifying that only one body was recovered and there is no evidence of a serial killer connected to the property. He described the home as a hoarding situation with debris both inside and out, which complicated the search. Cadaver dogs were used to ensure no additional remains were missed.
• Jenkins emphasized that Coffey is considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone with information to come forward. He confirmed that Coffey’s elderly mother had resided at the address but was not involved in the crime.
• Jenkins declined to discuss motive, stating that the case must be tried in court, not in the media. He noted that the search warrants were sealed to protect the investigation.
• The chief acknowledged previous city efforts to address code violations at the property, including an instance where Coffey brandished a firearm at a contractor; that case was ultimately dismissed.
• At the conclusion of the press conference, Jenkins was notified and announced that Coffey had been taken into custody by fugitive apprehension units.

Key Outcomes

• Gregory Coffey was arrested on September 30, 2026, on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of human remains. He was considered armed and dangerous; his capture occurred without incident.
• Raymond Poole remains charged with second-degree attempted murder in the shooting of Coffey. His case will proceed separately.
• The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will release additional information as appropriate.