| For Immediate Release September 23rd, 2005 |
Contact: | Mark Macaulay Media Relations Spokesperson (714) 347-8405 |
UNCLE CHARGED WITH STABBING MURDER OF SLEEPING 11-YEAR-OLD NIECE
SANTA ANA – William Orren Dawes, 26, of Laguna Niguel, has been charged with murdering his sister’s 11-year-old daughter while she was sleeping at her home near La Paz Road and Oso Parkway in Laguna Niguel. In the earlier morning hours of September 21, 2005, the defendant is accused of stabbing Sonia Dawes more than a dozen times while she was sleeping in her bed. Her mother, grandmother, and the defendant were all living together in the Laguna Niguel home. If convicted William Dawes is facing 26 years to life in prison.
Earlier that evening, the mother of the victim, Lorraine Dawes, had a telephone conversation with her brother/defendant. Lorraine told the police the defendant became angry with her and she became afraid. Later, the grandmother woke up and found the victim dead, bleeding from the mouth. Sonia Dawes had just started 6th grade at her new school, Don Juan Avila Middle School, in Aliso Viejo.
Irvine Police officers detained the defendant at approximately 3 a.m. in the vicinity of Alton Parkway and Technology Drive East in Irvine. The defendant was running, wearing a knit cap, and gloves. He was in possession of a knife.
The defendant made his first court appearance this morning. His arraignment was continued until October 7, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. in Department C55, Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive W., Santa Ana, CA 92701. He will continue to be held without bail. Senior Deputy District Attorney Mike Murray of the Homicide Unit will be prosecuting this case.
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