Welcome to Arrest Stories. A fifty-five-year-old woman faces first-degree murder charges after her ex-husband was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in their shared Levy County home. Here's what may have happened.
Laura Hawks was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, failure to report a death, and evidence tampering in connection with the death of her ex-husband Jason Hawks. The incident occurred at their residence in Levy County, where the former spouses continued to live together despite their divorce.
According to the arrest report, Jason Hawks was discovered dead in the master bedroom with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators found that clothes had been piled on top of Jason Hawks' body in what appeared to be an attempt to conceal the remains.
The timeline of events began on Thursday when Laura Hawks told authorities that Jason Hawks had threatened to kill her. She stated that following this threat, she took Jason Hawks' revolver and hid it from him.
The situation escalated on Friday when Laura Hawks reported that Jason Hawks approached her and attempted to choke her. During this alleged confrontation, Laura Hawks shot Jason Hawks in the abdomen with the revolver she had previously hidden. She then fired a second shot at her ex-husband.
Court documents reveal that the couple had a documented history of domestic violence incidents. Laura Hawks reportedly told investigators that the shooting occurred during what she described as a life-threatening situation, stating it was him or her.
Following the shooting, authorities allege that Laura Hawks failed to immediately report Jason Hawks' death to law enforcement and attempted to tamper with evidence at the scene, including the placement of clothing over the body.
Laura Hawks remains in custody without bond as she faces the serious felony charges. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jason Hawks' death continues as prosecutors prepare their case.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.