LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is renewing its call for public assistance in solving the 2012 murder of Martin Hawkins, who was fatally shot in La Plata. The case remains unsolved, and authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
On April 18, 2012, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the 200 block of Kent Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Hawkins, a La Plata resident, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Despite extensive efforts by detectives, no suspects have been identified, and the case has gone cold.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Charles County Crime Solvers, is urging anyone with information to come forward. “Anyone with information that could help us solve this case is asked to contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS,” the sheriff’s office stated. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and the combined reward of up to $10,000 remains available for information leading to an arrest or indictment.
The sheriff’s office has a history of pursuing cold cases with determination. In 2023, detectives solved a 44-year-old murder case involving Vickie Lynn Belk, using advanced DNA techniques to identify a suspect. That investigation, which led to the arrest of Andre Taylor, demonstrated the agency’s commitment to seeking justice, even decades later. The Belk case involved collaboration with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, highlighting the sheriff’s office’s ability to leverage partnerships and forensic advancements.
The Hawkins case, however, remains a challenge. Kent Avenue, a residential area in La Plata, was described in 2012 police reports as a quiet neighborhood, making the shooting a shocking event for the community. Detectives initially canvassed the area, interviewed witnesses, and collected evidence, but no clear motive or suspect emerged. The lack of witnesses to the shooting itself has hindered progress, according to the sheriff’s office.
Charles County Crime Solvers, a program established to encourage community tips, plays a critical role in cases like this. The organization offers anonymity to tipsters, ensuring their safety while providing a pathway for information to reach investigators. The $10,000 reward, funded jointly by the sheriff’s office and Crime Solvers, underscores the urgency of resolving Hawkins’ murder.
Sheriff Troy D. Berry, who has led the agency since 2014, has emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving crimes. The sheriff’s office encourages residents to provide tips through multiple channels, including the Crime Solvers hotline, online submissions at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com, or the P3Intel mobile app. These platforms ensure that tipsters can share information securely and anonymously.
The investigation into Martin Hawkins’ murder remains active, with detectives continuing to follow any new leads. The sheriff’s office is hopeful that renewed public attention and the substantial reward will prompt someone with knowledge of the case to come forward.
For more information or to submit a tip, contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or visit www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (301) 609-6557 for non-emergency inquiries.
