Mary Reed, a 61-year-old woman from Marianna, Florida, tragically lost her life on February 11, 2017. Mary Reed, who was Caucasian, was found deceased in her home, and the circumstances surrounding her death quickly led to a criminal investigation. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office responded to a frantic call from Reed's residence, which ultimately revealed a double homicide. Alongside Mary Reed, 33-year-old Kassi Henderson, who was also Caucasian, was found dead in the home.
The investigation revealed that both women had been shot.
The primary suspect in this case was William Hawk, a 75-year-old man from Fountain, Florida, who was in a relationship with Mary Reed. Hawk was identified as a suspect after deputies contacted him as an emergency contact for Reed. When deputies arrived at the scene, they initially did not find the bodies but later discovered them in the living room after further investigation. Hawk was apprehended after returning to the crime scene and admitting to the killings. He was armed with a handgun and was shot by deputies when he refused to drop the weapon.
William Hawk was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was treated for his injuries and subsequently found legally incompetent to proceed with the trial. However, after being restored to competency, Hawk accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. This sentence was effectively a life sentence for Hawk, given his advanced age. The case was prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office, with significant contributions from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies.
The tragic deaths of Mary Reed and Kassi Henderson were the result of a domestic incident that escalated into violence. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the severe consequences of domestic disputes and the importance of addressing such issues before they lead to fatal outcomes. The community of Marianna was deeply affected by the loss of Mary Reed and Kassi Henderson, and the case remains a somber reminder of the impact of domestic violence.
