WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Teenager Shot Dead on Easter

Teenager Shot Dead on Easter

By Julie Straw
julie@wlbt.net

There was no rejoicing Easter Sunday on Chestnut Street in Jackson. Instead the community is mourning the shooting death of 15-year-old Alfred Hawkins, Jr., better known to his family as "A.J."

"He was a real great little guy, real lovable, everybody around here loved him," said Ozzie Stapleton, the victim's cousin.  "I mean he young and he out here and you know how those streets are.  And out at that time of night, I just don't know."

According to family members, A.J. Hawkins was on his way to the Super Star Market, but he never made it.  He was shot and killed in the middle of the street.  Police arrived on scene just before 2:00.  Hawkins was rushed to University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

"There are two questions that bother the conscience in a situation like this," said Jackson police spokesman Jeffery Scott. "Number one -- obviosly, we need to find out who murdered this young man. Number two -- what is a 15-year-old doing out on a street corner at two in the morning? That bothers us."

Sergeant Scott says so far there are no witnesses and no suspects leaving Hawkins family members pleading for more information.

"Somebody needs to come forward and tell what happened cause that's hurting us.  If you know anything just come forward.  Just anything," said Yolanda Stamps, the victim's cousin.

Hawkins was a Sophomore at Jim Hill High School.  His family describes him as smart and kind.  If you have any information about this fatal shooting call the Jackson Police Department at (601) 960-1234.