Sheriff's Deputy Accused of Murder Denied Bond a Second Time

The Arlington sheriff’s deputy facing a first-degree murder charge in the May 22 homicide of Julian Dawkins in Alexandria’s Lynhaven neighborhood was denied bond a second time Tuesday, according to WUSA9.

Craig Patterson has been held in custody since his May 29 arrest in Spotyslvania County. He was denied bond during his initial hearing on May 30.

Patterson, a 17-year veteran of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Department, had at least three dozen supporters in the courtroom Tuesday including 15 sheriff’s deputies, according to WUSA9. 

Naja Patterson, Patterson’s ex-wife, testified on his behalf Tuesday, according to WJLA. She said Patterson was a great husband and father and that “he collapsed in tears the morning after he shot and killed Dawkins,” according to the report.

Patterson’s attorneys said he was not a flight risk and raised the possibility he was acting in self-defense. Patterson called 911 the night Dawkins was killed.  

During the May 30 proceedings, Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel said witnesses heard Patterson arguing with Dawkins very early the morning of May 22 in the 100 block of Lynhaven Drive. Witnesses then saw Patterson, who was off-duty at the time, walk away from the argument, Sengel said, then return with his badge, gun and handcuffs.

Witnesses reported hearing one gunshot, Sengel said. Dawkins was found shot in the chest.

Examiners found a knife folded closed in Dawkins’ pocket. Sengel said medical analysis determined Dawkins would have been unable to fold the knife and place it in his pocket after he was shot.

Dawkins, a 22-year-old shuttle driver for PBS NewsHour, was in the same third-grade class in 2000 as Kevin Shifflett, the victim of one of the most grisly crimes in the city’s history.

• See: One Third-Grade Class, Two Homicide Victims 13 Years Apart

Patterson will return to court Aug. 6. He will remain in custody at Alexandria’s Adult Detention Center.