Stephanie Michele Colson Hawkins, a 21-year-old Caucasian woman, tragically lost her life on October 6, 1978, in Tampa, Florida. Stephanie was working as a sunglasses salesperson at a mall in the Tampa area when she was abducted at gunpoint from the parking lot. Her abduction and subsequent murder were part of a series of heinous crimes committed by Buddy Earl Justus, a man who would later be convicted and sentenced to death for multiple murders across different states.
On the day of her
abduction, Stephanie was taken to Pasco County, where she was brutally murdered. The details of her death reveal a chilling and violent end to her young life. Buddy Earl Justus, who was responsible for her murder, was also convicted of other violent crimes, including the rape and murder of a pregnant nurse in Virginia and the murder of a housewife in Georgia. His criminal activities spanned multiple states, and he was eventually sentenced to death in three different states for his crimes.
The investigation into Stephanie's murder was part of a larger effort to bring Justus to justice for his numerous offenses. Justus was arrested on October 11, 1978, shortly after Stephanie's murder. His arrest and subsequent trials revealed a pattern of violent behavior and a history of drug use and abuse. During his trials, Justus admitted to his crimes and expressed remorse, citing his troubled past and drug addiction as factors that contributed to his actions.
In the years following his arrest, Justus faced multiple trials and appeals. He was ultimately executed in Virginia in 1990 for the rape and murder of the pregnant nurse, but his death sentences in Florida and Georgia remained as a testament to the severity of his crimes. Stephanie's murder, along with the other crimes committed by Justus, highlighted the need for a coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies across different states to address the threat posed by such violent offenders.
Stephanie Hawkins' death was a tragic loss, and her case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals like Buddy Earl Justus. Her family and the community were deeply affected by her untimely death, and the efforts to bring her killer to justice were a testament to the dedication of law enforcement officials in pursuing justice for victims of violent crimes.
