Man Convicted In Wife's PWC Death —​ But Not Of Murder Charge

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A man has been found guilty in his wife's shooting death — but not of murder.

On Tuesday, a jury in Prince William County found Daniel Lawson, 25, guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Desire Buggs. According to WTOP, prosecutors had sought murder and firearm in the commission of a felony charges, but Lawson was not convicted on those charges.

Prince William County Police had responded to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center on Jan. 6, 2024 in response to a shooting with critical injuries. Lawson claimed a group of women attacked him and his wife while they were at a stop sign in Dumfries. He claimed one of the women shot Buggs before fleeing from the scene.

The Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney's office said Lawson "made several inconsistent statements" to police during the investigation. According to WTOP, Lawson's brother reported that Lawson asked him to get the gun from the hospital.

In court, Lawson's defense claimed the shooting happened accidentally during arguments. WTOP reported that Buggs took the gun from Lawson's holster, leading to it discharging.

The prosecutor's office called Buggs' death a homicide in a news release.

"This verdict represents a critical step towards justice for Desire Buggs and her loved ones but also serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the domestic violence in our community," said Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Ashworth in a statement. "The prosecution of this case reinforces our unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators of intimate partner violence accountable."

Lawson will be sentenced on June 6. The voluntary manslaughter charge is a class 5 felony, which can lead to a sentence up to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

Ashworth shared domestic violence resources in light of the case. Anyone experiencing domestic violence can use any of the resources, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 - TTY.