In the summer of 2022, the life of 20-year-old Javion Germaine Hawthorne was tragically cut short in his hometown of Gary, Indiana. A Black male born in Merrillville, Indiana, on May 27, 2002, Hawthorne was a recent graduate of Gary Middle College, having completed his studies in 2020. He was known by friends and family for his passion for basketball and a caring heart.
On the evening of June 19, 2022, Hawthorne was fatally wounded by gunfire.
His official date of passing was recorded as June 20, 2022. While details from official sources remain scarce, online memorials indicate the shooting occurred outside a gas station in Gary.
Following his death, an obituary celebrated Javion's life and dedication to positively impacting those around him. He was remembered for his work at the Gary Health Department and his love for the game of basketball, having attended several prestigious basketball camps. The obituary listed a large and loving family, including his parents Frank G. Hawthorne and Chevon Rouse, as well as numerous siblings, grandparents, and other relatives. One of his paternal brothers listed in the obituary is Kyran Hawthorne. A Kyran Jujuan Hawthorne, also from Gary, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison on April 8, 2025, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
To date, public information from law enforcement regarding any arrests or the identification of a suspect or suspects in Javion Hawthorne's murder has not been made available. The investigation into his death remains ongoing.
