Murder suspect faces capital charge

A Louisa man suspected in an Albemarle County shooting death is now facing a capital murder charge.

Jon R. Zug, assistant commonwealth’s attorney, said he amended a first-degree murder charge against Daniel Lee Dove to capital murder Friday in Albemarle Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

“The murder happened during the commission of an attempted robbery,” said Zug, explaining why the charge was changed.

Dove, 28, also is facing charges of malicious wounding, attempted robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the death of 17-year-old Emilio Morales.

Police responded Sept. 30 to the Autumn Hill Apartments on Commonwealth Drive. According to authorities, a man showed up at Morales’ apartment around 11:20 p.m. and got into a fight. The man shot Morales and two other men before leaving, police said.

Authorities identified Dove as a suspect earlier this month. He was arrested Oct. 21 in Hyattsville, Md., after police picked up one of his associates.

Zug said a capital defender has been assigned to handle Dove’s capital murder defense. The case will be set for a preliminary hearing Nov. 7.

Dove will return Dec. 18 for a preliminary hearing on the other charges against him in Albemarle General District Court.

Dove was denied bond in both courts and remains in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.