Geraldine A. Hawks, a 60-year-old African American woman from Jacksonville, NC, tragically passed away on March 27, 2020. Her death was part of a horrific incident where she, along with her husband Emmitt Jordan Hawks Sr., 71, and her daughter-in-law Jackqueline Meade, 48, were found fatally shot in their home. The perpetrator, Jordan Meade, 24, was later arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
Meade pleaded guilty to all charges in September 2023.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Meade had a history of mental health issues, including ADHD, Autism, Bipolar disorder, and Schizophrenia. He claimed that his family's perceived disrespect led him to commit the murders, although his exact motives remain unclear.
The case drew significant attention due to the tragic nature of the crime and the mental health aspects involved. Meade received three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with additional sentences for related charges. The community and the victims' families have been deeply affected by this loss, and the case has raised awareness about the importance of mental health support and intervention.
