On March 29, 2024, at approximately 6:45 p.m., the Johnston County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported shooting at a residence located at 2493 NC Highway 242 North in Benson, North Carolina. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 50-year-old Kenneth Wayne Dawson deceased inside the home, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed that an altercation had occurred between Kenneth Dawson and his 20-year-old son, Kenneth Jake Dawson, reportedly over marijuana
found within the residence. During the dispute, the younger Dawson allegedly shot his father multiple times at close range with a .22 caliber handgun. He was arrested at the scene without incident and subsequently charged with first-degree murder and manufacturing marijuana.
An autopsy conducted by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Kenneth Wayne Dawson was shot 11 times at close range, with the cause of death listed as multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death classified as homicide.
In addition to the firearm used in the shooting, deputies conducting a protective sweep of the residence discovered equipment consistent with an indoor marijuana grow operation, including ladders with grow lights mounted to them. Several marijuana plants and related paraphernalia were seized from the scene.
Following his arrest, Kenneth Jake Dawson was held without bond in the Johnston County Detention Center. He made his first court appearance on April 1, 2024, where the charges against him were formally presented.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, prompting discussions about the complexities of familial relationships and the potential dangers associated with domestic disputes escalating to violence. As the legal process unfolds, the Dawson family and the broader community continue to grapple with the profound loss and the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.
