Man Claims Gun Went Off During Sex — Deputies Say Scene Looked Staged
Man Claims Gun Went Off During Sex — Deputies Say Scene Looked Staged
On February 13, 2026, Santa Rosa County deputies responded to a trailer home on Floridale Drive in Milton, Florida, after a family member discovered a woman unresponsive inside the residence.
The victim was identified as 19-year-old Dotson-Salinas.
According to investigators, a relative went to check on Dotson-Salinas around 7:00 a.m. after being unable to reach her by phone. The family member discovered her lying face down on a bed with a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Deputies said the victim was found naked on the bed with blood around her and a handgun placed in her right hand.
Investigators located a 9mm shell casing on the floor at the end of the bed, along with a 9mm bullet on the camper stairs and another bullet outside near the steps.
Authorities said the handgun found in the victim’s hand was a .22 caliber firearm. Deputies noted the weapon appeared to have been placed there in what investigators described as a “staging-like manner,” adding that no .22 caliber shell casings or ammunition were located at the scene.
Investigators later located 18-year-old Dominic Van Wasshenova driving on Interstate 65 near Athens, Alabama. Authorities said he was found with the victim’s cellphone, which had been tracked by a friend.
Deputies said Van Wasshenova made a spontaneous statement to officers indicating a gun was located in the trunk of the vehicle. Authorities also reported observing what appeared to be blood on his clothing.
During an interview with detectives, Van Wasshenova said the couple had been having sexual intercourse around 2:00 a.m. He told investigators the victim asked him to hold a gun to the back of her head for sexual arousal.
According to the arrest report, Van Wasshenova claimed he placed a 9mm handgun against the back of Dotson-Salinas’ head when the weapon discharged, striking her.
Investigators said Van Wasshenova told them he panicked after the shooting and left the residence with the victim’s phone and the couple’s puppy before driving toward Michigan to go to his grandmother’s home.
Authorities said Van Wasshenova later wrote a letter apologizing to the victim’s family, stating that he loved Dotson-Salinas and did not intend to harm her.
Investigators also learned Van Wasshenova had obtained the firearms approximately two weeks before the incident after trading a dirt bike for the weapons.
Van Wasshenova was arrested and charged with murder without premeditation. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge. His next court appearance, a pretrial detention hearing, is scheduled for March 9.
Family members of Dotson-Salinas said they continue to seek accountability for her death.
— Illicit Deeds | Criminal Case Coverage

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