WILLISTON, FL – Tension reached its breaking point inside a quiet Levy County home, where a woman claims she had no choice but to shoot her ex-husband following years of escalating violence.
Authorities say Laura Hawks, 55, is accused of fatally shooting her ex-husband, Jason Hawks, 48, after an altercation turned violent inside their shared Williston residence. The confrontation reportedly erupted when Jason allegedly threatened Laura’s life and lunged toward her, prompting her to open fire.
Investigators revealed that Laura armed herself using Jason’s own revolver, which she had secretly taken the day before. When Jason entered the bedroom with his arms outstretched, Laura fired multiple shots, initially striking him in the abdomen. According to police statements, she claimed she kept shooting, desperate to stop the attack.
A juvenile witness inside the home called 911 upon discovering Jason Hawks’ motionless body. Deputies arrived to find Jason deceased and Laura at the scene, the aftermath of hours of suffering. Law enforcement noted that the violence between the two was not new—records show a troubled history of domestic abuse spanning years.
Detectives said Laura admitted she hid the weapon beneath a pillow, waiting for Jason to confront her. Once the violence began, she pulled out the revolver and began firing. Police documents indicate that Laura told investigators she stayed by his side as he bled out, offering him water and tea, but declined to seek any medical assistance.
Evidence gathered by investigators pointed to a grim scene, where Jason lay wounded for hours before succumbing to his injuries. Rather than contacting authorities, Laura allegedly concealed his body beneath a mound of clothing and began plotting to bury him in the backyard.
Documents from the investigation further allege that Laura made no attempt to call emergency services or report the shooting. Instead, she focused on covering Jason’s remains and delaying discovery of the incident.
Authorities say Laura told them she intended to bury Jason in an effort to evade arrest. Her plan, however, was interrupted when the juvenile in the home found Jason’s body and alerted authorities.
Laura Hawks was taken into custody and is now facing charges of first-degree murder, failure to report a death, and tampering with evidence. She remains held without bond at the Levy County Jail. An investigation into the events leading up to the deadly encounter is ongoing, as deputies work to piece together the turbulent relationship and its violent conclusion.