Kassi Henderson, a 33-year-old woman from Marianna, FL, was tragically killed on February 11, 2017, in a double homicide that also claimed the life of 61-year-old Mary Reed. The incident occurred in a mobile home park in the Rocky Creek community. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the homicides stemmed from a domestic argument that escalated into violence.
William Hawk, a 75-year-old man from Fountain, was identified as the suspect and was arrested in connection with the killings. Hawk had a relationship with Reed and was considered an emergency contact for her. On the night of the incident, a frantic call was made to the sheriff's office reporting that someone at the residence had a gun. When deputies arrived, they initially did not find anything amiss, but later discovered the bodies of Henderson and Reed in the living room after speaking with Hawk over the phone.
Hawk was on the run for several hours before returning to the crime scene around 2 a.m. He approached investigators, admitting to the shootings, and was subsequently shot by a deputy when he failed to comply with orders to drop his weapon. Hawk was treated for his injuries at an Alabama hospital and later taken into custody. He faces charges of murder and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. The investigation revealed that Henderson, who was visiting Reed for the winter, had called 911 before the call disconnected. Neighbors reported hearing car doors slamming and vehicles leaving the residence, but no gunshots. The motive for the killings was believed to be related to a domestic dispute, but the investigation was ongoing at the time.
Kassi Henderson, a Phoenix native, was remembered by her father for her strength and loving nature. She had been staying with her mother in Tennessee before spending the winter in Florida with Reed, a friend she had grown closer to after the death of Reed's son. Henderson had planned to return to Arizona in March to stay with her father. The night of the murder, she had called her father, but the call was disconnected before they could speak. Her father described her as having a big heart and being a fighter throughout her life.
The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of law enforcement in the suspect's apprehension. The deputy who shot Hawk was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The double homicide and the subsequent deputy-involved shooting were both subjects of ongoing investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic events.
