Virginia man gunned down while working at home in Stafford County
Stafford County, VA – A routine property visit turned deadly Tuesday when a 35-year-old contractor was shot and killed in broad daylight in the driveway of a Stafford County home, triggering a standoff and leading to a murder charge against a 64-year-old man staying at the residence.
Deputies responded to the 600 block of Mountain View Road after receiving a disturbing call from a man who was on the phone with his co-worker when gunshots rang out during their conversation. The call abruptly went silent, and the co-worker was no longer reachable.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim, identified as Michael Dodge II of Caroline County, lying unresponsive in the driveway. Deputies established a perimeter around the home after noticing movement inside and uncertain whether the gunman was still armed or planning to flee.
After a brief standoff, the individual inside the home was taken into custody without incident. Investigators say Dodge had arrived to perform work for a mortgage company when he was shot multiple times.
The suspect, identified as Donald Thomas, 64, of Stafford, was arrested and charged with first degree murder and unlawfully shooting or wounding in the commission of a felony. Authorities confirmed Thomas had been residing at the home where the shooting took place.
Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomas is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. A motive for the shooting has not been publicly released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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Key Points
- A man performing work at a Stafford County home was shot and killed Tuesday on Mountain View Road.
- The suspect was arrested following a standoff and charged with first degree murder.
- The victim was identified as Michael Dodge II, 35, of Caroline County.