By Donald Talonen
James Edward Rawson was convicted on June 26 of first-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife’s son in 2022. Rawson was found guilty of first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The trial began June 18 in Allegan County’s 48th Circuit Court.
On November 4, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident reported by Char Rawson in Lee Township where was attempting to pick up her other children from Rawson’s home. Char stated that she had been shot in the head by her ex-husband and managed to escape in her vehicle and called 911.
ACSO deputies said the woman was alert when they arrived. Williams had gone to Rawson’s home after his mother escaped and called 911. Upon arrival, the deputies discovered a 21-year-old man, Williams, dead from gunshot wounds at the scene.
Chief Prosecutor Myrene Koch and Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Peterson handled the case. First-degree murder is the most serious murder conviction in Michigan and carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch wrote in a release, “Representing victims of crime and protecting the public from violent offenders is the top priority of the Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Ensuring those responsible for these crimes are held accountable for their actions is a critical part of our mission. The investigation conducted by the ACSO and the MSP Crime Lab was very thorough and provided the foundation to achieve the convictions. Hopefully, with this resolution, the victims can begin the healing process and continue to move forward.”
Rawson is scheduled for sentencing on Friday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m.
