FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — A family is grappling with tragedy after their eldest son was fatally shot while attempting to secure a rental property. Michael Dodge II, 35, was working on behalf of mortgage companies when the incident occurred on Mountain View Road, igniting a wave of sorrow and outrage among his loved ones.
Lea Dodge, the victim’s mother, expressed her heartbreak, lamenting the senselessness of the crime. “You took my son for nothing; he was a good person,” she said, highlighting the profound impact of his loss on their family and community.
Dodge’s father, Michael William Dodge, recalled his son’s role as a contractor who specialized in securing properties that had fallen into foreclosure or were abandoned. Michael was known for stepping in to repair homes that were damaged, ensuring they were safe for future occupants.
On the day of the shooting, he had been dispatched to a residence to change the locks and secure the premises. Reports indicate that upon arriving, Dodge encountered an armed individual, later identified as 64-year-old Donald Thomas. According to his father, Michael called his employer to report the situation, mentioning that an aggressive person was inside the home and had threatened him with a firearm.
As chaos unfolded, coworkers alerted law enforcement, who arrived to find Dodge unresponsive in the driveway. Authorities were quick to apprehend Thomas at the scene, charging him with first-degree murder.
“This person has destroyed so many lives by taking my son,” Michael William Dodge remarked. The family is now seeking solace as they prepare for Michael’s funeral, reflecting on the values he embodied and his generous spirit.
The Dodges are also hoping to locate Michael’s dog, Wiz, who was with him during the incident and has since gone missing. The search for the beloved pet adds another layer of distress to an already devastating situation.
“Michael was loving, giving, and extremely protective of his family,” his father said, fondly recalling his son’s character. He was described as someone who never met a stranger, making friends wherever he went.
As they mourn their loss, the family has expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this painful time. They conveyed a powerful message to the suspected shooter: “You have taken more than just a life; you have shattered a family for no reason. My son is gone, and nothing was gained in this senseless act.”