SOUTH BOSTON, Va. – Police in South Boston are seeking a murder suspect after a woman was found dead in a Super 8 Motel Tuesday afternoon.

Police have issued a murder warrant for the arrest of 31-year-old Michael Anthony Small of Buffalo Junction.

The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Mahalia Townes of Clarksville. South Boston police responded to a 911 call just after 5 p.m. Tuesday and found an unresponsive female inside a first-floor room at the motel. Investigators say Townes had been assaulted.

Small is wanted for second-degree murder in her death. The victim’s body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy is scheduled to be performed.

Small is believed to be driving a 2009 dark blue Honda Accord with Virginia license plate UEU7309. Anyone with information is asked to contact South Boston Police.