Family asks for help to solve man's murder

HOUSTON Now nearly two months after his murder, his family is making a new plea for help to find his killers.

Chase Hawkins, 20, had a very bright future and his family says his murder cut his life short at a time when he was just beginning to achieve his potential.

Police say just before midnight on June 14, Hawkins was in the parking lot of a friend's apartment complex in the 500 block of Greens Road on Houston's north side when he was approached by someone who started shooting at him with a semi-automatic weapon. Hawkins fled on foot, and was chased by the man, who continued firing, shooting Hawkins multiple times. He died from those injuries.

Nearly two months later, detectives still don't know who killed him or why. His father is pleading with the public for help in catching his son's killer. Hawkins was applying for jobs when he was murdered. His father says Hawkins' top priority was providing for his 4-year-old son who will never get the chance to know him.

"My 20-year-old son is no longer with us. Twenty years old -- he's just about to start his life. He's leaving a 4-year-old son, aunts, uncles, brothers -- we'll never see him again," said Cedrick Hawkins, the victim's father.

The driver and passenger in the suspect's were described as young black males. The suspect in this murder jumped into a tan-colored sedan, possibly a Buick or a Lincoln.

There were witnesses to this crime and detectives want them to come forward.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-8477 tips hotline or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the identification, arrest and/or charging of the suspect in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message - Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.