LAPLATA, Md. – This week marks 14 years since 32-year-old Martin Hawkins was tragically killed in La Plata. His case remains unsolved, but it is not forgotten. Detectives continue to seek answers, and the community’s help is critical in bringing justice to Martin and closure to his family.
On April 18, 2012, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the area of 200 Kent Ave. When officers arrived, they found Martin who had gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Martin was more than a victim — he was a son, a friend and a member of our community. Someone knows what happened that night. Even the smallest piece of information could help move this case forward.
Cold case investigations remain a top priority for our agency. Our dedicated team of detectives and forensic personnel work in close partnership with allied agencies and laboratories to continually review unsolved cases, carefully reexamining every piece of evidence. Investigators revisit fingerprints, reinterview witnesses, analyze available surveillance footage, and apply advancements in all aspects of forensic science, including DNA analysis, ballistics and forensic genealogy when applicable.
With today’s emerging forensic technologies, cases that once yielded few leads can now bring new answers.
Our team remains committed in its mission to bring resolution to victims and their families — an effort that has already led to breakthroughs in cases once considered cold, including the resolution of a 44-year-old murder and the identification of a woman who had remained unnamed for more than 25 years. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office never stops in our Pursuit of Justice.
If you have any information, please contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. You can remain anonymous. A combined reward of up to $10,000 is being offered from the CCSO and Charles County Crime Solvers for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.