Linden Woman Dies from Gunshot Wound; Husband Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a shooting on Apple Jack Circle in Linden, a community in Warren County, Virginia. The call concerned a woman, later identified as 72-year-old Diane M. Dawson, who had suffered a gunshot wound.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to find Mrs. Dawson in critical condition. She was initially transported to Warren Memorial Hospital. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later airlifted to Fairfax Inova Hospital. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical professionals, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.

The investigation into Diane Dawson’s death led the authorities to charge her husband, 74-year-old Claude H. Dawson Jr., with several offenses. After extensive inquiries and consultations with the Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Mr. Dawson was arrested on August 27, 2024, without incident. The charges against him include involuntary manslaughter, reckless handling of firearms, and shooting while committing or attempting a felony.

CLAUDE DAWSON

Arrest and Court Proceedings

Following his arrest, Mr. Dawson was transported to the Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren (RSW) Regional Jail. He appeared before a magistrate, who ordered him to be held in custody without the possibility of bond. His initial court date has been set for September 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, which remains active. Authorities have not released additional details to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Individuals with information that could aid the case are encouraged to contact Investigator C.J. McDaniel at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office by phone at (540) 635-7100 or by email at cmcdaniel@warrencountysheriff.org.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials continue to work diligently to uncover the facts surrounding Mrs. Dawson’s death. They have extended their gratitude to the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Culpeper Division, for their assistance in this case.

Understanding the Charges

Claude Dawson Jr. faces three serious charges related to his wife’s death:

1. Involuntary Manslaughter (§ 18.2-36): This charge suggests that Mr. Dawson’s actions, though unintended to cause death, were reckless or negligent enough to result in the loss of life.
2. Reckless Handling of Firearms (§ 18.2-56.1): This charge indicates that the handling of the firearm was careless or dangerous, contributing to the fatal incident.
3. Shooting in Committing or Attempting a Felony (§ 18.2-53): This charge implies that the use of the firearm occurred during the commission or attempted commission of a felony, adding further severity to the case.

As the community awaits further details, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office remains focused on thoroughly examining all aspects of the case. For now, Mr. Dawson remains in custody as he awaits his day in court.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that any additional information from the public could be crucial in resolving this matter. They encourage anyone with knowledge about the case to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.