Portsmouth police identify homicide victim, suspect in custody after Elliott Avenue investigation

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth police have identified a homicide victim and announced a suspect is in custody following a weeks-long investigation into a missing persons case tied to a property at 3404 Elliott Avenue.

Chief Steve Jenkins announced Wednesday that Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., an unhoused man who was reported missing Sept. 2, was found dead on the property. Gregory Coffey, the homeowner, is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of human remains. Jenkins announced during the press conference that Coffey had been taken into custody.

"About an hour ago, we were made aware that potentially he may have returned to the residence," Jenkins said. "We did have fugitives apprehension at that residence on surveillance, and he is in custody, which is obviously the best part of the information that we're able to provide today."

How the investigation unfolded

The case began Sept. 2, when Tillman's brother, Raymond Poole, reported him missing to Portsmouth police. Poole told investigators he had last seen his brother on Sept. 1.

The following day, Sept. 3, Poole went to 3404 Elliott Avenue — a property Tillman was known to frequent — searching for him. During that encounter, Poole allegedly shot Coffey. Coffey was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital, where he remained for several days before being released.

On Sept. 11, Poole was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder in connection with the shooting.

Detectives continued to develop leads, and on Sept. 21, a combination of investigative work and a citizen tip allowed investigators to establish probable cause for a search warrant at 3404 Elliot Avenue. The warrant was executed that day, and the property remained in police custody over the following days.

On Sept. 22, detectives canvassing the property discovered what they believed to be human remains. Those remains were sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which confirmed on Sept. 23 that they were human.

Remains recovered, victim identified

On Sept. 25, a multi-agency excavation team that included the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Virginia State Police, Chesapeake Police Department, Suffolk Police Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, Smithfield Police Department, and Newport News Police Department conducted an extensive search of the property. Investigators recovered burned and decomposed human remains and body parts found adjacent to the property.

Jenkins said Tillman had been dismembered, and parts of his body had been burned and decomposed.

On Sept. 28, fingerprint comparison confirmed the remains were those of Tillman. That same day, detectives obtained a warrant for Coffey's arrest on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of human remains.

Inside the investigation

Jenkins described the property as presenting significant challenges for investigators. The yard — both front and back — was filled with large amounts of debris, and a storm system that moved through the region further complicated the search.

"What you saw on the outside was very reflective of the way that the property was on the inside," Jenkins said. "We would probably characterize the individuals there as hoarders. Just tons and tons of stuff that had to be gone through by investigators. Obviously, there was a sanitary concern by my folks as well."

Jenkins said cadaver dogs were also used during the search. He confirmed that only one set of remains was recovered from the property.

"We are confident to say, based on extensive search, not only through our federal partners and state partners, but also the professionals with our sister locations throughout the region, that there are not additional remains on that property," Jenkins said.

Jenkins also directly addressed rumors that had circulated in the community, saying there was no evidence of multiple victims or a serial killer connected to the address.

"There is no report or factual evidence that we have a serial killer related to 3404 Elliott Avenue in the city of Portsmouth," Jenkins said.

Property's history with city

Jenkins acknowledged the property had been a concern for the city for years, saying code inspectors and contractors had been sent to the address on more than one occasion. He said Coffey pulled a firearm on a contractor who came to clean up the property, and was charged with brandishing a firearm in connection with that incident. Jenkins said he did not have information available at the press conference to explain why that case was ultimately dismissed.

Jenkins said Coffey's mother also resided at the property but was staying with a neighbor during the investigation. He said there is no indication she had any involvement in Tillman's death.

Chief's message to the public

Jenkins said the department deliberately withheld details during the investigation to protect the integrity of the case and ensure accurate information was released.

"We wanted to make sure that we got it right the first time," Jenkins said.

He extended condolences to Tillman's family on behalf of the Portsmouth Police Department and the city.

"No loss of life in the city of Portsmouth is acceptable," Jenkins said. "Mr. Tillman, while going through his own personal bouts of homelessness, lost his life for whatever reason, and I wanted to make sure that we understand that."

Jenkins also made a direct appeal to the public for information on Coffey's whereabouts before the announcement of his arrest, and urged Coffey to turn himself in.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Portsmouth police.

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