DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 1997          TAG: 9702260444

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   29 lines

ONE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY, SECOND SOUGHT IN SLAYING

Police have arrested one suspect and are looking for a second in connection with the fatal shooting at The Virginian motel Monday night.

Marvin J. Johnson Jr., 23, of the 1000 block of Culmer Drive in Virginia Beach, was found dead in the doorway to room 305 of the motel in the 300 block of 24th Street, according to Mike Carey, a police spokesman.

Police have charged Allen D. Myles, 19, of the 300 block of Riverwood Court in Virginia Beach, with first-degree murder and use of a firearm, Carey said.

Authorities said they are looking for the second suspect, Russell Harding of the 1800 block of South Streamline Drive in Virginia Beach.

He was described as a black male, 240 to 250 pounds, 5-11 to 6-1, and wears his hair in a braided style, authorities said.

Police have recovered a dark-colored Acura Legend believed to be involved in the crime.

Johnson, who had been staying at the motel, apparently answered a knock at his door and was met with gunfire. The motive for the shooting is under investigation. MEMO: Anyone with information on the shooting or the location of

Russell Harding is asked to call Crime Solvers at 427-0000. KEYWORDS: SHOOTING MURDER SUSPECT

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