Crime & Safety

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

Arlington County Sheriff's Deputy Craig Patterson is charged with first-degree murder in the homicide of Alexandria resident Julian Dawkins.

Written by Drew Hansen

The Arlington County sheriff’s deputy facing a first-degree murder charge in the May homicide of Julian Dawkins in Alexandria has been 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.

Find out what's happening in Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patterson, a 17-year veteran of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, 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.

Find out what's happening in Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

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 a 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 Alexandria's recent history.

• More: 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.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn