A 34-year-old Black male named Donell Nathaniel Hawkins of Warner Robins, Georgia, was found deceased on the night of June 28, 2016. Officers responded to a call of shots fired at the Budget Inn located at 2076 Watson Boulevard at approximately 10:59 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Hawkins with a single fatal gunshot wound to his upper body, and immediately began a homicide investigation.
Investigators worked through the night, utilizing a 3D scanner to recreate the crime scene and
gather all available evidence. In the days following the shooting, the Warner Robins Police Department released surveillance video from the motel to the public. The video showed two individuals that investigators wanted to speak with in connection with the homicide. The police asked for the public's help in identifying these persons of interest and encouraged anyone with information to contact them or Macon Regional Crimestoppers.
The investigation eventually led to the identification and arrest of suspects. One individual, Malik Golden, was later convicted of felony murder in connection with the death of Donell Hawkins. Court records revealed that the incident stemmed from a planned robbery. Another individual, Willie Walters, was also connected to the crime, as the plan was reportedly discussed with him and his car was used to drive to the motel. A woman was also involved in setting up the meeting with Hawkins under the pretense of a drug deal. She communicated with Hawkins via text messages to arrange the meeting at the Budget Inn. The plan involved another person, who would be unrecognized by Hawkins, to go to his room to inquire about purchasing marijuana, leading to the attempted robbery and fatal shooting.
