Potomac News Online | Dead man suspect in murder investigation
HARTWOOD – A man who died in a car wreck in Dinwiddie County is a suspect in the death of Hartwood woman whose home was burned to the ground Oct. 16.
Stafford County Sheriff’ Office Capt. Rod Davis said Wednesday morning that investigators continue to search both scenes for clues.
On Oct. 16, residents called 911 at about 9:40 p.m. after hearing an explosion and seeing the house at 288 Cropp Road on fire. Inside, firefighters found the body of Danita Gail Tipton, 42.
According to preliminary autopsy reports, Tipton died of gunshot wounds.
Since that time, detectives from the Sheriff’ Office, Fire Marshal’ office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have investigated the scene.
On Tuesday, the county fire marshal was on the scene. Other law enforcement personnel, as well as a dog, were also there searching for evidence. The property was surrounded with yellow tape.
The Sheriff’ Office asks that residents in that corridor of the county, especially those living on Cropp Road and Hartwood roads and Skyline Drive, call the Sheriff’ Office at (540) 659-4400 or Crime Solvers at (540) 659-2020 if they have any information regarding the incident.
Garrett Ebling is editor of the Stafford County Sun. Correspondent Jim Lawrence contributed to this report.