A verbal dispute in the Lynhaven neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, in the early hours of May 22, 2013, ended with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Julian Dawkins. Dawkins, a shuttle driver for PBS Newshour and a T.C. Williams High School alumnus, was shot in the chest after an altercation with Craig Patterson, an off-duty Arlington County Sheriff’s deputy who had recently moved to the area. Patterson left the scene and returned shortly afterward armed with his service weapon, badge, and handcuffs; he fired a single shot. Patterson told 911 he had shot a man who had pulled a knife on him, but officers found a folded knife in Dawkins’ back pocket. Toxicology showed Dawkins had been drinking heavily and had used marijuana earlier that night.

Police arrested Patterson and initially charged him with murder. His defense said he acted in self-defense; prosecutors argued Patterson’s choice to go away and come back armed was motivated by anger and showed intent. Witness testimony conflicted about whether Dawkins chased Patterson or had only told him to leave. In December 2013 a jury convicted Patterson of voluntary manslaughter; the jury recommended a six-year sentence, and a judge imposed that sentence in February 2014. Friends and family remember Dawkins as a much-loved and gentle young man.

Does anyone have additional details about the night in Lynhaven or knew Julian well enough to share memories?