Gary D. Cook found dead

Gary D. Cook was found dead Tuesday morning according to a press release from the Virginia State Police.

Cook, 62, was the widower of Patricia A. Cook who was fatally shot Feb. 9 by Daniel Harmon-Wright on North East Street in Culpeper.

At this time, foul play is not suspected as his death continues under investigation.

Cook was a disabled Vietnam veteran who had filed a wrongful death civil suit of $5.35 million in May .

Cook's attorneys David Kendall and J. Gregory Webb were not available to comment on whether that suit would continue or be dropped in light of Cook's death.

Harmon-Wright, 32, was released on bond after pleading not guilty to one count of murder, malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle, malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle resulting in death, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

On Sept. 11, 2012, at 10:29 a.m., Culpeper County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residential apartment in the 1000 block of Friendship Way for a report of a deceased male. Cook was discovered by a maintenance crew who had entered the apartment Tuesday morning to conduct routine maintenance service for the apartment complex.

The sheriff’s office contacted the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Culpeper Field Office in regards to investigating the circumstances surrounding the unattended death.

The remains will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manassas for autopsy and examination, which will take place Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012.

The jury trial for Harmon-Wright, which at this time is slated for Culpeper County Circuit Court, is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2013.

Harmon-Wright is being represented by attorney Daniel Hawes with Virginia legal Defense.

Fauquier County Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Fisher was appointed as special prosecutor.