On a late Friday night in Salem, Virginia, a domestic dispute escalated into a fatal shooting, claiming the life of 44-year-old Joshua Dickson. The incident occurred on September 27, 2024, on Hale Avenue. Emergency services were dispatched to the residence at 9:08 p.m. following a call to the Salem 911 Center. Upon their arrival, police officers discovered Dickson unresponsive with a gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. This tragic event marked the first fatal shooting in the city for that calendar year.
In the immediate aftermath, Salem Police took a suspect into custody at the residence. Wilma Jean Jones, a 44-year-old woman from Roanoke County, was arrested in the early hours of the following Saturday morning. She now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jones is currently being held without bond as the investigation into the shooting continues.
Joshua Dwayne Dickson, of Vinton, Virginia, was known by friends and family for his ability to make people smile and brighten their day. He took great pride in working on and cleaning up his vehicles. He is survived by his son, daughter, grandson, and twin brother.
