Police - Media Releases 7/24/2021 Self-Defense Claim Under Investigation in Saturday's Fatal Shooting on Scotwood Drive

7/24/2021

A self-defense claim is under investigation in regard to Saturday's 12:30 a.m. fatal shooting of Phillip Hawkins Jr., 49, outside his residence in the 4000 block of Scotwood Drive.

Responding officers found Hawkins deceased in the front passenger seat of a white sedan with a gunshot wound to his chest. Angela James, 51, who had called 911 to report the shooting, said that she had been driving Hawkins around the city looking for his truck which was apparently being driven by another acquaintance. James said Hawkins grew increasingly agitated, holding her at gunpoint, and forced her to drive for approximately two hours. Their interaction reportedly turned physical when the two arrived at Hawkins' Scotwood Drive residence. They began to struggle over the gun. During the struggle the gun discharged, striking Hawkins in the chest.

The investigation, which is being led by Homicide Unit Detective Ryan Russell, is continuing.