TAMPA, FL – A 17-year-old Florida teen, Justin Hawker, has been charged with second-degree murder after he allegedly killed 37-year-old Andie Morrell and attempted to destroy evidence while claiming he was stargazing at a nearby playground.
911 Call Leads Police to Suspect
Hawker was arrested on September 20 after voluntarily calling 911, telling dispatchers, “I was involved in a homicide”. The call came after police questioned him about Morrell, an exotic dancer who had gone missing after visiting Hawker’s home. Authorities discovered Morrell’s body wrapped in bedding and duct tape in a vacant lot behind a building on September 19.
Timeline of Events
Morrell was last heard from on September 10, when she texted her roommate that she was heading to Hawker’s address. Her family tracked her cellphone to the same location, where it remained stationary since that night. Surveillance cameras later placed a male figure matching Hawker’s description near the scene where the body was found. The footage reportedly shows the suspect carrying a gas can, pouring an unknown liquid over the body, and attempting to set it on fire.
A stolen vehicle was involved in the movements captured by surveillance, with the driver removing license plates before fleeing on foot.
Evidence Found at Hawker’s Home
After questioning Hawker and his 15-year-old girlfriend, deputies noticed bleach stains and a distinct smell of bleach in the home. Investigators also found:
- Blood spots in the living room
- An empty magazine matching a firearm from Hawker’s bedroom
- Clothing matching the suspect on surveillance
- A roll of duct tape
Hawker initially claimed he went to a playground “to look at the stars” and fell asleep there. When questioned about the bleach stains, he said he was trying to clean another stain. He later stated he was “under the influence of mushrooms” and requested a lawyer.
Witness Accounts and Autopsy Findings
Two witnesses spoke to authorities about Hawker’s activities:
- A neighbor reported seeing a Black woman fitting Morrell’s description at Hawker’s porch and hearing two loud bangs consistent with gunshots.
- A friend of Hawker’s girlfriend stated that she had been shown the firearm at Hawker’s home and that the girlfriend promised to disclose everything.
An autopsy revealed that Morrell suffered a gunshot wound that perforated her aorta and right lung, confirming a fatal shooting.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Hawker, who is being charged as an adult, faces:
- One count of second-degree murder with a firearm
- One count of tampering with evidence
During a court appearance, he was ordered to be held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment on October 13.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, gathering additional evidence related to both Hawker and his girlfriend’s involvement.
Call to Action
This tragic case raises questions about juvenile crime and the consequences of violent actions. What are your thoughts on the investigation and the role of mental health in such cases? Share your views in the comments below and discuss how communities can prevent similar tragedies.
