A Florida woman told police she shot her abusive ex-husband after he threatened to kill her and tried to choke her, claiming “it was me or him,” according to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office.
Laura Hawks, 55, said her ex, Jason Hawks, 48, approached her with arms outstretched in an attempt to strangle her before she fired a revolver she had secretly taken from him the previous day, local ABC affiliate WCJB reported.
A juvenile at the home in Williston called 911 after discovering Jason Hawks dead inside. Police said the couple had a documented history of domestic violence. Laura Hawks reportedly told detectives she hid the revolver under a pillow and shot Jason Hawks in the abdomen, firing additional rounds in what she described as an attempt to “put him out of his misery.”
Authorities say Jason Hawks did not die immediately and lay bleeding inside the home for several hours. Laura Hawks allegedly refused to seek medical help, instead staying by his side, bringing him water and tea, and later covering his body with clothing. Police report she intended to bury him in the backyard to avoid arrest before the juvenile discovered him.
Laura Hawks was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, failure to report a death, and evidence tampering. She is being held without bond at the Levy County Jail.
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