Justice for my brother, William Hawkins

My name is Adam, and my mom and I are making this page for my brother, William Darryl Keith Hawkins, who was innocently shot and killed on October 14, 2021.

It took almost 5 months for the San Antonio District Attorney to move this forward, and on February 22, 2022, a grand jury declined to charge Will's assailant. No access to the case that was presented, no access to their deliberation, no chance to humanize my brother. The "justice" system has taught us that anyone can shoot an unarmed, unsheltered Black man, and walk away free.  

Link to the latest article: 
Grand jury declines to charge man who shot and killed a homeless man 

There’s so much I can say, but the biggest thing I want to say is that I lost my hero. Will and I were born and raised in San Antonio. We went to high school at Tom C. Clark and spent a lot of time at Woodhill Apartments. My first job was at Whataburger on the northwest side and Will would wait for me at the end of every shift to walk me home. Will always had a big heart, even if he had nothing, he’d still give you the shirt off his back. If he had a place to stay, that meant you had a place to stay. This was still true even if he didn’t have a home.

 

On the morning of October 14th, Will was shot & killed in downtown San Antonio. And already, the local headlines have changed twice.

 

While we try and grieve, we’re having to fight for justice in his name. There should be no world where an innocent man is shot in broad daylight and bleeds to death, while people walk by and refuse to help, refuse to look — the same people who had chosen not to dignify, give value, or respect Will’s life.

 

Even though there is evidence and footage, and housing advocates defending Will’s kind nature, no charges have been filed against the gunman.

 

None. He was only questioned by police and let go moments later.

 

Will was left to die.

 

I love you so much and I still can’t believe this is true. We all wish we could have one more conversation with you, hug you, and let you know even though we were in different places, we all still have so much love for you.

 

We’re asking for your help so Will isn’t forgotten because his life mattered. We want to honor him in San Antonio and in Houston where most of his family lives. We want justice for what happened and accountability because he was more than someone living on the street. His life had value and he deserves respect.

 

May my big brother, our family hero, William (Hawk) Hawkins, rest in peace. #LLWILL #JusticeforWilliam

 

Link to the article:

Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man Outside Gas Station