Suicide suspected in death of U.S. Marshals Service executive
WASHINGTON – Charles Christopher Dudley, deputy director of the U.S. Marshals Service, died from what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in suburban Washington last week.
Authorities said he called police from his home in Fairfax Station, Va., on Friday, threatening suicide. When officers arrived, they found him dead. Fairfax County police are awaiting a final determination on the case from the local medical examiner’s office but do not suspect foul play.
Dudley, 46, was appointed the No. 2 marshal in 2009. He joined the service in 1990 as a deputy marshal in northern Georgia. Over the years, he served as chief of staff and chief of investigations, and managed the agency’s elite fugitive task force program, personally helping arrest several fugitives.
Agency colleagues said Wednesday that Dudley was well-liked. His online obituary included nearly 200 tributes from fellow workers.
In summing up his career with the Marshals Service, Dudley said in a 2009 interview: “I just fell in love with the culture and the people. It’s humbling; it’s an honor.”
A memorial service is to be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church in Blacksburg, Va., where Dudley grew up.
ALSO:
Texas moves to seize polygamist ranch compound
Nanny, in hospital, pleads not guilty to murder of 2 children
Florida college wants civil case dismissed in student hazing death
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
