Detroit man sentenced for shooting : Detroit man sentenced for Garrett shooting: Justice served | Thestar

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Detroit man Garrett shooting
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A Detroit man, Kerry Hawkins Jr., was sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting a 16-year-old male in Garrett in August 2023. Hawkins, 22, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony, as part of a plea agreement. The victim was shot in the abdomen at point-blank range, leading to Hawkins’ arrest. Hawkins, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed he blacked out during the incident. Despite family testimonies citing mental health issues, Hawkins received a 12-year sentence with nine years to serve and three years suspended. The court emphasized the importance of mental health treatment and medication compliance for Hawkins’ rehabilitation.

AUBURN — In a recent court ruling, a Detroit man, Kerry Hawkins Jr., has been sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting a 16-year-old male in Garrett back in August 2023. This incident took place in a quiet residential area in Garrett, Indiana, sending shockwaves through the local community.

**Incident Details**

Hawkins, a 22-year-old resident of the 16000 block of East 7 Mile Road in Detroit, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony, as part of a plea agreement filed in DeKalb Superior Court II. The shooting took place on East Edgewater Drive in Garrett, where police were dispatched to reports of shots fired. The victim, a 16-year-old male, was struck in the abdomen by rounds fired from a handgun at point-blank range.

**Arrest and Investigation**

Indiana State Police Detective Jake Quick detailed in a police affidavit of probable cause that Hawkins was located near the scene of the shooting and matched the description of the shooter. He was promptly taken into custody by law enforcement officers. The victim was rushed to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne for treatment and provided a statement recounting the harrowing ordeal.

**Eyewitness Testimonies**

Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chilling sequence of events leading up to the shooting. One witness observed two males near a pond, with one firing shots at the other. The victim fell to the ground, and the shooter proceeded to kick him before firing additional shots. The witness, in shock, sought refuge in her home as the violent altercation unfolded before her eyes.

**Sentencing and Rehabilitation**

During the sentencing hearing, Hawkins’ family members highlighted his struggles with mental health issues and the importance of him receiving treatment. However, DeKalb County Prosecutor Neal Blythe emphasised the severity of Hawkins’ actions, describing them as “terrifying,” “brutal,” and “cold-blooded.” Despite pleas for leniency, the court handed down a nine-year prison sentence, with Hawkins committing to follow through with treatment programs while incarcerated.

**Final Thoughts**

The sentencing of Kerry Hawkins Jr. serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of addressing mental health concerns within the justice system. As the community in Garrett continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic incident, the hope remains that justice will be served, and steps will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.