MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — All leads have stalled in the murder of a fisherman in Rutherford County.
Detectives have combed every inch of the Mona Boat Ramp looking for any clues in the shooting death fisherman William “Greg” Hawkins, 53.
On Wednesday afternoon, detectives and family members were pleading for help from the public to solve this vicious crime. They are hoping a big reward will help crack this case.
“We have a genuine who done it now,” Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Dan Goodwin said.
Hawkins took Oct. 16 off from work from Nissan and took one of his daughters fishing and boating with him on Percy Priest Lake.
As they were about to leave, he went to get the truck and trailer, and walked up on someone breaking into vehicles.
“And was immediately shot to death, basically executed because he came upon a pretty low grade crime,” Goodwin said.
In the law enforcement world, the first 48 hours after a homicide are crucial.
Since it’s been more than three weeks since the murder of the Rutherford County man, detectives are up against the wall, and are looking for clues to help solve this heinous crime.
“We’re keeping an eye on the clock,” Sgt. Goodwin said. “It’s been 20 days.”
Detectives specifically need the following information:
The name of the killer who told someone he killed Hawkins
Descriptions of people and vehicles parked the morning of Friday, Oct. 16 at Mona Boat Ramp
Names of suspects who break into cars, trucks and boats on or near Percy Priest Lake
With each passing day, the harder it is for detectives to solve this murder.
“We’re looking at 481 and a half hours since this crime occurred,” Sgt. Goodwin said. “We’re trying to generate leads and get some suspects going.”
The victim’s brother, Darren Hawkins, said the family is still hurting.
“It’s very difficult,” Hawkins said. “There is no answer for this. My brother is a perfect man; he had a good relationship with God.”
Family members said they won’t rest easy until the person or persons who killed Hawkins are captured.
“It’s very difficult because we have no idea who did this, and what type of person would do such a horrible thing,” the brother said. “Greg would have given them the whole vehicle that wasn’t the issue; they didn’t have to kill him for it.”
“Don’t assume we have already heard information,” Sgt. Goodwin said. “We need to hear from anyone who knows anything. If you know something and think it will solve this murder, let us know.”
Kayak Anglers for a Cause will be sponsoring a fishing tournament this Saturday at Murfreesboro Outdoors to help the family raise money to offer a reward.
Folks can also make donations to the Greg Hawkins Memorial Fund at any Franklin Synergy Bank or the Veritas Credit Union inside Plant.
16th Judicial District Attorney General Jennings Jones has submitted an application to Governor Bill Haslam to consider a sizeable reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers.
Crimestoppers (615) 893-STOP is also offering up to a $1,000 reward. If you have any information you can call lead Detective Kyle Norrod at (615) 904-3043.