Story by Ethan
On September 11th, 2025, the arrest of James R. Dawes, age 34, was announced by Acting Warren County Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone. James R. Dawes was charged with first-degree Homicide, second-degree Being a Certain Persons Not to Possess a Weapon, second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and second-degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose . The arrest and charges against James R. Dawes were a result of an investigation handled by the Phillipsburg Police Department, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, United States Marshal’s Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit, NJSP Strategic Investigations Unit, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Newark, Millburn, Greenwich, Lopatcong, and Pohatcong Police Departments.
According to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, the Warren County Communications Center received a 911 call where the party on the other end of the phone was reporting an individual attempting to forcibly enter their residence at approximately 4:26 a.m. on June 2nd, 2025. Responding officers located Kevin Clervil suffering from several gunshot wounds outside of the residence on the 100 block of Summit Avenue. Although Kevin Clervil was swiftly transported to St. Luke’s Hospital Warren Campus, he unfortunately succumbed to his wounds and passed away in the hospital. Both the victim and the defendant had known each other prior to the shooting, however the police will not release any further information as the investigation is ongoing.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against James R. Dawes are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
