Kevin Jay Watkins Jr., a 27-year-old man from Columbus, OH, was tragically shot and killed on November 12, 2017, at the corner of Lilley Avenue and East Mound Street. Watkins was returning home from a neighborhood market when he was fatally shot by Marzett Hawkins III, who was driving a black car. Watkins was not a gang member and was a complete stranger to Hawkins.
Hawkins, who was also 27 years old, was arrested by Columbus police SWAT officers without incident on November 22, 2017.
He was charged with murder in connection with Watkins' death. Surveillance video captured the final moments of Watkins' life, showing Hawkins shooting him from the driver's side of his car. Hawkins had a long history of violence and gang ties, but Watkins was not involved in any gang activity.
During the trial, Hawkins faced the heartbroken mother of Watkins, Kathy Winfrey, who expressed her grief and forgiveness but also her enduring pain. Hawkins was sentenced to life in prison plus 28 years, with no possibility of parole, due to the cruel and calculated nature of his offenses. The judge cited Hawkins' lack of compassion for his victims as a reason for the harsh sentence.
The case brought together the families of two murder victims, as Hawkins was also accused of killing Anthony Sowers in 2009. Although the case against Hawkins for Sowers' murder was dropped in 2011 due to lack of witness cooperation, the families of both victims found some measure of justice in Hawkins' life sentence.
In summary, Kevin Jay Watkins Jr., a 27-year-old man, was shot and killed by Marzett Hawkins III, who was later arrested and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder. The case highlighted the devastating impact of violence on families and communities, and the pursuit of justice for the victims.
