Portsmouth Man Charged With First-Degree Murder
Authorities discovered human remains at the residence of 53-year-old Gregory Coffey.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Crime — General
Police have charged 53-year-old Gregory Coffey with first-degree murder following the discovery of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. in a ditch behind 3404 Elliott Avenue. The recovery of the remains followed a five-day search by eight law enforcement agencies.
Why it matters
The charges represent a significant escalation in a case involving the death of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. and a subsequent multi-agency law enforcement investigation in Portsmouth.
Gregory Coffey has been formally charged with first-degree murder following the recovery of human remains by authorities. The ongoing investigation involved a five-day search of his property by eight separate law enforcement agencies.
The players
Gregory Coffey
He is a 53-year-old Portsmouth resident now facing charges for first-degree murder.
Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr.
He is the deceased individual whose remains were discovered behind a residence on Elliott Avenue.
Lee Bennett
He was the victim of a stabbing incident involving Gregory Coffey in 1985.
The details
The remains of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. were located in a ditch on the property at 3404 Elliott Avenue. Gregory Coffey was previously convicted of a 1985 stabbing of Lee Bennett, for which he served one year of juvenile probation.
Timeline
September 11, 1985: Gregory Coffey stabbed Lee Bennett on Lanier Crescent.
April 16, 2026: Coffey allegedly brandished a firearm at a city subcontractor.
August 30, 2026: An incident resulted in the discovery of Tillman's body.
Legal Context
This case marks a return to legal scrutiny for the suspect, who has not faced major charges since his 1985 conviction as a juvenile. The current investigation follows a pattern where historical criminal records often become relevant during modern murder probes.
The intensive, five-day search by eight law enforcement agencies has drawn significant public attention to the Elliott Avenue neighborhood. Residents should expect continued police activity as the investigation into the death of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. proceeds.
The takeaway
The recent discovery of human remains has highlighted the importance of multi-agency cooperation in local investigative efforts. Authorities continue to process evidence as the legal proceedings against the suspect move into the court system.
Further reading
For more updates on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
