A Woodbridge, Virginia, man was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the January 2024 shooting death of his 24-year-old wife, Desire Buggs, who was seated next to him in his car.
Daniel Okoe Lawson, 25, was charged with murder as well as use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. After a two week trial, on Tuesday the jury convicted Lawson of a lesser voluntary manslaughter charge and acquitted him of the gun charge, according to court records.
Prince William County prosecutors argued Lawson deliberately shot his wife, who had a 4-year-old son, and initially lied to police, saying the couple had been ambushed by a “a mob of six to eight Black females,” according to court documents.
Lawson brought his wife to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.
However, police learned Lawson contacted his brother from the hospital, asking him to retrieve the handgun.
The defense argued the shooting was accidental, and happened after a series of arguments between the couple.
According to the defense, while sitting in the passenger seat, Buggs grabbed the gun from a holster Lawson was wearing and the gun accidentally went off.
In Virginia, voluntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $2,500. Lawson will remain in custody until he’s sentenced June 12.
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