NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — A 23-year-old Navy submariner has pleaded not guilty to charges he killed his wife with a hammer and set their house on fire in an attempt to kill their infant son.
Petty Officer 2nd Class George Dodson II waived his right to a probable cause hearing Monday and pleaded not guilty in Superior Court to charges including murder, attempted murder and arson in connection with the July 20 death of his wife, 23-year-old Shelby Dodson.
George Dodson told police he attacked his wife with a hammer and knife after becoming jealous over their agreement to have an open relationship, according to court documents. He told authorities he set fire to the home so he would not have to use the weapons on his 13-month-old son, police said.
The boy was found conscious and treated at a local hospital.
Dodson is a nuclear-trained electronics technician on the USS Newport News, based at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, according to the Navy.
Shelby Dodson’s sister posted on social media that she is working to gain custody of her nephew.
George Dodson is being held in lieu of $3 million bond and is due back in court on Sept. 20. A message seeking comment was left with the public defender representing him, Mike Miller.
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