A 60-year-old grandfather was shot dead in his home in County Durham, and a 38-year-old man has been charged with murder. The investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing.
A 60-year-old grandfather, Barry Dawson, was shot dead on Saturday afternoon at his home in Elm Street, Stanley, Co Durham.
Thomas Mackintosh of BBC News reports that Kevin Dorward, a 38-year-old man from Annfield Plain, has been charged with murder.
Dorward had been arrested and remanded in custody, along with Michaela Hetherington, 35, who has also been charged with perverting the course of justice. Both are due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
A 21-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 20-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman were detained on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three suspects are currently in police custody.
A murder investigation typically begins with a report of a homicide, followed by an initial response from law enforcement.
The scene is secured and evidence collected, including physical evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
Next, the crime scene is processed to identify potential suspects and motives.
Forensic analysis is conducted on DNA, fingerprints, and other evidence to build a case against the perpetrator.
Interviews with witnesses and suspects are then conducted to gather more information.
The investigation culminates in an arrest, charging of the suspect, and eventual trial.
The family of the victim has paid tribute to him, describing him as a ‘much-loved father, granddad, and partner who will be greatly missed.’ They expressed their devastation at his loss, which they said would leave a significant gap in their lives.
Police have launched several lines of inquiry into the incident and are urging anyone with information about a white Seat Arona with registration NA24 OJK to come forward. The force has also appealed for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle in the Stanley and Annfield Plain area on Saturday.
The police investigation is ongoing, with a 35-strong team of detectives working around the clock alongside armed response officers, crime scene examiners, search teams, and neighbourhood officers.
