HENRICO COUNTY, Va.— More than seven months after his disappearance, 48-year-old Gerard Anthony Harvell of Henrico County has been found dead in Suffolk, and two men — 41-year-old Levar Antonio Bradsaw, Jr. of Franklin and 47-year-old William Andre Lawrence of Suffolk — are now facing first-degree murder charges in connection with his death.
Harvell was first reported missing on Thursday, May 8, when the Henrico County Police Division issued a missing adult alert. Authorities said he had last been heard from at approximately 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, prompting concern from loved ones and investigators who began piecing together his final known movements.
It wasn’t until Tuesday, Dec. 2, that Henrico Police confirmed Harvell had been found deceased in Suffolk, bringing an emotional end to the months-long search.
A Complex, Multijurisdictional Investigation
According to the Suffolk Police Department, Harvell disappeared after traveling to Suffolk in April. As days turned into weeks without any signs of him, the Henrico Police Department requested Suffolk’s assistance in May, initiating a large-scale investigation that would span multiple jurisdictions, agencies, and states.
Suffolk Police described the case as exceptionally complex, involving:
- detailed data analysis
- multiple search warrants
- extensive evidence recovery
- numerous interviews
- intensive forensic examinations
After months of work, investigators concluded that Gerard Anthony Harvell was killed on or about April 29, 2025, in the 6900 block of Brentwood Road in Suffolk.
Charges Filed Against Two Suspects
On Tuesday, police announced that Levar Antonio Bradsaw, Jr., 41, and William Andre Lawrence, 47, had been charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses. Both men are currently in custody, and additional investigative findings may result in further legal action.
Suffolk Chief of Police James “Danny” Buie commended the unwavering efforts of the investigative team.
“I could not be more proud of the work our investigators did for this victim and his family,” Chief Buie said. “This was a complex investigation, and these indictments are a testament to the skill and dedication of the detectives, forensic technicians, and supervisors who were involved in this case.”
An Effort That Spanned State Lines
The investigation into Harvell’s disappearance and death involved a remarkable number of agencies, all contributing expertise and resources. Those agencies included:
- Henrico Police Department
- Virginia State Police
- Commonwealth of Virginia’s Rescue Program
- FBI
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Southampton County Sheriff’s Office
- City of Franklin Police Department
- Virginia Department of Corrections
- Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office – Norfolk
- Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
- Hertford County Sheriff’s Office (North Carolina)
- DNA Labs International (Florida)
Their cooperation helped locate Harvell’s remains, identify suspects, and assemble a prosecutable case.
A Family Waiting for Justice
Throughout the investigation, Harvell’s family worked closely with law enforcement, displaying patience and strength as they awaited answers no family should have to seek.
“We share in their sorrow for the loss of Gerard,” Suffolk Police said in their statement. “We would also like to thank Mr. Harvell’s family for their cooperation and their patience during this investigation. We look forward to assisting the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as they carry this case forward for prosecution.”
As the community absorbs the painful news and the court process begins, the focus remains on securing justice for Gerard Anthony Harvell and supporting his family as they navigate the long road ahead.
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