ACCUSED BRAXTON MURDERER PLEADS TO LESSER CHARGE

(05/02/2019)
UPDATE 5/02/2019 - A man wanted last month on a first-degree murder charge in Braxton County has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, West Virginia State Police say.

Christopher Shawver Dotson, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and felony fleeing.

Details about the murder, including the victim's name, have not been made available.

UPDATE 4/30/2019 - A man facing a first-degree murder charge out of Braxton County was arrested Sunday night in Elkins, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

Christopher Shawver Dotson, 34, of Elkins, was arrested in a mobile home on Elderberry Drive, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The U.S. Marshals Service and West Virginia State Police Special Response Team coordinated the arrest at around 7:45 p.m.

Dotson was wanted after he failed to appear for a court hearing on April 17 related to a first-degree murder charge.

He was initially charged with murder in 2017 and was in jail until November 2018 when officials said he was released on bond.

Officials said a loaded firearm was found in Dotson's vicinity when he was arrested. A "female associate" of his was also arrested at the mobile home, according to a press release.

Dotson will be in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

4/19/2019 - West Virginia State Police said they are searching for a man who did not appear for a court hearing Tuesday on a first-degree murder charge.

Christopher Shawver Dotson, 34 (left) was last seen in Elkins but also has families ties to Braxton County, according to a post on the State Police Facebook page.

State Police said Dotson is considered dangerous and advised caution to anyone who approaches him.

Dotson is described as 6 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds.

Anyone who has information on Dotson’s location is asked to call State Police at 304-765-2101 in Braxton County or 304-637-0200 in Randolph County.