Arrest Made In South Austin Halfway House Killing

SOUTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police have made an arrest in the shooting death of man outside of a South Austin halfway house over the weekend.

Police on Monday said John L. Hawkins, 75, has been charged with murder in connection to the fatal shooting outside the South Austin Marketplace, a halfway house at 2101 E. Ben White Blvd. On Saturday, Sept. 29, police received a call about the shooting just before midnight where they found a mortally wounded man in the parking lot.

The shooting victim, a man in his 40s, was transported to South Austin Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries just before 12:30 a.m. the following morning. His identity has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Related story: Man Dies In Shooting Outside South Austin Halfway House

Police said Hawkins, who is black, stayed at the scene until police arrived. When detectives interviewed him, he said he an the shooting victim had argued over a work assignment during which he endured racial slurs and being spat at. Police said Hawkins admitted he shot the victim.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES.

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>>> John L. Hawkins booking photo via Austin Police Department