A fifth man has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of Barry Dawson, 60, at his home in Stanley, County Durham, earlier this month. The case has shaken the local community, prompting swift arrests and coordinated action between law enforcement agencies across the UK.

Arrest in Northern Ireland

Sean Reay, 29, from Stanley, was arrested in Northern Ireland on April 11 by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), acting on a warrant issued by Durham Constabulary. He was transported back to Durham on April 12 and formally charged with murder. Reay remains in custody and is due to appear at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on April 14.

Durham Police confirmed that no further suspects are currently being sought in connection with the killing.

Multiple Suspects Charged

Reay joins a growing list of individuals charged in the case. Keith Edward Dorward, 47, also known as Keith Edward Lax, was arrested on April 10 and is also facing a murder charge. He is scheduled to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, also on April 14.

Previously, Kevin Dorward, 38, was remanded to Durham Crown Court following a court appearance on April 10. Thomas Lee Sterling, 21, and Kelvin Craig Lawson, 37, will appear before Teesside Crown Court on April 14, having appeared at earlier hearings on April 11 and 12 respectively.

Michaela Hetherington, meanwhile, has been charged with perverting the course of justice and is awaiting a bail decision at Durham Crown Court.

Cross-Border Police Cooperation

The investigation has highlighted the cross-border cooperation between Durham Constabulary and the PSNI. Officers worked in tandem to track down Reay, demonstrating the urgency and seriousness with which the case is being treated.

Community in Mourning

Barry Dawson was fatally shot at his home on Elm Street on April 2, 2025, sending shockwaves through the town of Stanley. A grandfather and “much-loved father and partner,” his family released a statement saying his death “leaves an enormous gap in our lives.”

Residents have shared tributes and messages of support for the family on social media. One post on X (formerly Twitter) praised the “tireless work” of local officers, while others expressed concerns about safety in the area and called for more visible policing.

Investigation Ongoing

Durham Constabulary have reiterated their commitment to securing justice for Barry and his family, urging anyone with further information related to the case to come forward. A major incident team continues to manage the investigation.

For updates on the case and advice on navigating the UK court system, follow Durham Constabulary and official court websites.