In the early hours of a Sunday on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, a dispute outside a local cafe escalated into a tragedy that claimed the life of Damein Vaughn Hawkins Sr. The 52-year-old man was fatally shot on March 17, 2024, during an altercation. Described by his wife as a 'gentle giant,' Hawkins was reportedly attempting to intervene and break up a fight when the incident occurred.
Emergency services responded to the chaotic scene after hearing a gunshot around 2 a.m., finding Hawkins critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, authorities quickly identified a suspect, Quavarre Rogers, 27, who was seen armed near the victim. After a brief chase, Rogers was apprehended and taken into custody. Investigators found him in possession of a modified firearm. Initially, Rogers faced a charge of second-degree murder. However, in a turn of events, the initial charges were dismissed in April 2024. The Shelby County District Attorney's Office swiftly presented the case to a grand jury, which led to a new indictment and Rogers's re-arrest.
The new charges against Quavarre Rogers were more severe, including first-degree murder and possession of a prohibited weapon. The case proceeded through the legal system, and Rogers was ultimately found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. As the family awaited the final stages of the judicial process, the sentencing for Rogers, which was scheduled for an earlier date, was delayed. This postponement extended the period of uncertainty and grief for the loved ones of Damein Hawkins, who continue to mourn the loss of a man they remember as a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and grandfather.
