It’s been 6 months since the senseless murder of a loving father and husband…and no suspect in sight. Gregg Hawkins’ widow is hoping that a new digital billboard campaign will change that. Hawkins was fishing on October 16th at Mona Boat Ramp in Tennessee when police think he may have unknowingly interrupted someone breaking into nearby vehicles. Hawkins was shot and killed by the burglar while walking from the lake to his truck on the ramp. One of his daughters was waiting for him on the lake in his boat.
Hawkins’ brother, Darren, echoes the senselessness of the crime, saying his brother was such a nice guy, he probably would have given the person whatever it was he was looking for, even if the person wanted the truck.
Police say this was a vicious crime that resulted in a man’s death for nothing. They are hoping to generate leads for suspects, saying this is a genuine who-done-it crime. Detective Sgt. Dan Goodwin of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office says, “We need help from you. We need help to identify this cold blooded killer who basically executed a decent, hard working middle aged man.” Goodwin says that if the burglar would have just run off, it’s not likely he even would have been caught.
Hawkins’ wife Janet says she and their two daughters are devastated and miss him terribly. She says he was a very involved father and loving husband and she vows to find the person or people responsible for Gregg’s death. “My best friend’s not here anymore. But I owe him this,” she said. “I will never give up. So they need to know that now. This will never end. I will do whatever I have to do.” Goodwin says “the family has lost a husband, father and brother. All we can do at this point is give them a little bit of justice.”
A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Hawkins’ murderer. Anyone with information is asked to call Rutherford County Crime Stoppers at 615-893-STOP. Detectives say that if you know anything, please don’t assume the police already know…contact them with even the smallest detail, even if you think it is hearsay.