In the quiet community of Linden, Virginia, a tragic incident unfolded on July 18, 2024, leading to the death of 72-year-old Diane M. Dawson. Emergency services were dispatched to a residence on Apple Jack Circle following a 911 call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Diane Dawson in a bedroom, suffering from a critical gunshot wound to her side or back.
Mrs. Dawson was initially rushed to Warren Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
Due to the severity of her injuries, she was subsequently airlifted to Fairfax Inova Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Diane Dawson succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival at the trauma center.
The subsequent investigation by the Warren County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of her husband, 74-year-old Claude H. Dawson Jr., on August 27, 2024. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless handling of a firearm, and shooting while committing or attempting a felony. Following his arrest, Mr. Dawson was transported to the Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren Regional Jail and was initially held without bond.
According to the criminal complaint, Claude Dawson told investigators that the shooting was an accident that occurred while he was attempting to unload a firearm he owned. He stated that he was sitting in a chair next to the bed where his wife was sitting, a very short distance in front of him. He claimed that as he picked up the loaded firearm and pointed it in her direction to unload it, the weapon discharged, striking Mrs. Dawson. He further explained that he was unloading the firearm because his grandson was scheduled to visit five days later and that he had many years of experience handling firearms.
A preliminary hearing in the case against Claude H. Dawson Jr. was scheduled for December 19 in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, after being continued to allow both the prosecution and defense more time to gather information. At a prior hearing on September 12, he had been granted a $75,000 secured bond. The investigation into the death of Diane Dawson remains ongoing.
