Anthony Ray Hawkins Jr., a 33-year-old African American male from Beaumont, Texas, tragically lost his life on March 16, 2014. His death was part of a horrific incident that also claimed the lives of his sister, Reshawna Hawkins, and brother, Darrel Hawkins. The perpetrator, Joe Frederick Hawkins, Anthony's younger brother, was arrested the following day and later indicted on three counts of capital murder.
The incident occurred at the family home on Fourth Street in Beaumont.
According to witness statements, Joe Frederick Hawkins had an altercation with all four victims before producing a handgun and opening fire. Anthony Ray Hawkins Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple wounds in his upper torso. His sister, Reshawna, was shot in the face and also pronounced dead at the scene. Darrel Hawkins was shot in the head area and later died at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth.
Joe Frederick Hawkins, who was 27 years old at the time, pleaded guilty to the killings. Jefferson County prosecutors chose not to seek the death penalty due to his intellectual disability, with an IQ below 70. Instead, he was sentenced to life in prison. The surviving victim, Joe Hawkins' girlfriend, Shannon Latrice Henry, was shot several times but survived the attack.
The tragic loss of Anthony Ray Hawkins Jr. and his siblings deeply affected their family and the community. The case highlighted the devastating impact of family disputes and the importance of mental health considerations in the justice system.
