A tumultuous relationship that allegedly included domestic abuse is believed to be the motive in what authorities deemed a murder/suicide earlier this week.
Misty Dawn Blevins, 30, and Michael David Lawson, 32, were found inside a single-wide mobile home they shared together on Horace Lane Monday.
Authorities were summoned to the scene around 10:46 a.m. by a family member, Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith has said.
Both Blevins and Lawson died of a single gunshot wound, Smith said.
A preliminary autopsy report indicated that both died from a single gunshot wound to the head, Smith said on Thursday.
Evidence at the scene suggested that Lawson shot and killed Blevins and then committed suicide in the shooting incidents that occurred sometime Sunday or Monday, according to Smith.
The rounds were fired from a .22 caliber rifle, Smith said on Thursday.
Lawson was arrested in Patrick County on June 11 in connection with an alleged domestic assault, according to Smith. Blevins was listed as the victim in the incident occurred at the home on Horace Lane, the sheriff added.
An emergency protective order was entered against Lawson on that date, Smith said.
Blevins petitioned the Patrick County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to drop the protective order against Lawson on July 5, Smith said.
The assault charge against Lawson was subsequently dropped in August, the sheriff added.
The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is encouraged to call Smith at (276) 692-7012Â or Inv. Brian Hubbard at (276) 692-6512.
