Dawkins' Death Ruled a Homicide

The death of Lynhaven resident Julian Dawkins has been ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner following the results of an autopsy, Alexandria police said Thursday evening.  

• See: Alexandria Police ID Victim in Lynhaven Shooting

Dawkins, 22, was shot early Wednesday following a confrontation with off-duty Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson, police said. No charges have been filed against Patterson. 

Police continue to investigate the case and are interviewing witnesses in order to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.

Alexandria detectives have consulted with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office regarding whether or not criminal charges should be filed, according to a press release from the Alexandria Police Department. That determination will be made by the Commonwealth’s Attorney following the results of what is expected to be a lengthy investigation.

According to the press release from the Alexandria Police Department:

This case is being investigated according to standard protocol applied to all Alexandria homicide cases. The fact that Mr. Patterson is employed as a law enforcement officer does not affect the process of investigation applied to this case.

At 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to reports of a person being shot in the 100 block of Lynhaven Drive. Police quickly located Dawkins, who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The case was initially classified as a suspicious death. 

Police said they questioned Patterson, a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. The 44-year-old Alexandria resident has been placed on administrative leave.

• See: Police Interviewing Arlington Sheriff's Deputy in Suspicious Death Case

Mayor Bill Euille issued the following statement Thursday evening shortly after Dawkins’ death was ruled a homicide:

The death of Julian Dawkins, who was shot and killed on May 21, has raised concerns throughout our community. I am confident that appropriate justice will prevail once all facts are known. Our Police Department is investigating this case and they are working with the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney using the standard procedure used for such cases in Alexandria. In the meantime, I urge the community to be patient, and allow the justice system to do its work.

Dawkins' death marks the second homicide in Alexandria this year. Del Ray resident Elmer Roehrs was murdered in his Holly Street home on Feb. 13. On Monday, a circuit court grand jury indicted Marie Maybell Johnson in that case. 

• See: Grand Jury Indicts Johnson in Del Ray Murder Case