In a quiet Tuscaloosa neighborhood, the evening of August 6, 2024, was shattered by a violent act that claimed the lives of two people. Mcran James Montgomery, a 63-year-old male, and his romantic partner, 62-year-old Antionette Hawkins, were found shot to death inside their home on 25th Place. The initial call to authorities came from one of the victims, a desperate plea for help that was tragically cut short.
When Tuscaloosa Police officers arrived at the residence around 10:20 p.m.,
they were met outside by a 25-year-old man, Keaundra Lee Hawkins, the son of Antionette Hawkins. He informed the officers that his mother and her boyfriend had been shot. Initially, it was believed he was the one who had summoned help. However, the investigation by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit soon uncovered that a 911 call had been placed from inside the house by one of the victims before they succumbed to their injuries.
As investigators delved deeper into the tragic events, evidence emerged that pointed to Keaundra Lee Hawkins as the person responsible for the double homicide. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, but it was revealed that this was not the first instance of trouble within the family. Antionette Hawkins had previously filed domestic violence complaints against her son, indicating a history of turmoil that culminated in this fatal encounter.
Following the investigation at the scene, Keaundra Lee Hawkins was arrested and charged with one count of capital murder. Due to the nature of the charge, which involves the killing of two or more people in a single act, he is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond. Authorities have indicated that further charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues to unfold. The deaths of Mcran James Montgomery and Antionette Hawkins marked the 20th and 21st homicides in Tuscaloosa County for 2024.
