On March 23, 2024, at approximately 7:53 p.m., Killeen Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 3500 block of Rusack Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered 26-year-old Deante Treshawn Hawkins suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, with his girlfriend, Genesis Jones, attempting to administer aid. Despite life-saving efforts by officers and emergency medical services, Deante was pronounced dead at 8:38 p.m.
Investigations revealed that Deante and his father, 53-year-old Larry Lamont Hawkins, had engaged in a heated argument over money owed by Deante. According to an arrest affidavit, Genesis Jones, who was upstairs during the altercation, recorded the interaction. She reported hearing a gunshot, followed by a second shot shortly thereafter. Upon rushing downstairs, she found Deante wounded. Larry Hawkins claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that his son had attacked him; however, officers noted he exhibited no signs of a physical struggle. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Larry Hawkins was arrested and charged with murder, a first-degree felony. He was booked into the Bell County Jail, with bond set at $150,000. Subsequently, in August 2024, a Bell County Grand Jury indicted him for the murder of his son. Court records indicate that Hawkins posted bail and was released on March 26, 2024. The case remains under investigation by the Killeen Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Unit.
