MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — Five years after a Murfreesboro father was shot and killed while fishing with his daughter, his family hopes someone will come forward with information that will help detectives catch his killer.
Gregg Hawkins' family gathered at the Mona Boat Ramp in Rutherford County on the five year anniversary of his death. They held hands and prayed, and remembered a man they loved dearly.
"He was the one I called when I needed help," said Brandi Jackson, Gregg Hawkins' daughter. "It is hard going through every day not having that lifeline."
"Every waking moment of my life, he is on my mind," said Shirley Hawkins-Prater, Gregg Hawkins' mother. "I never stop thinking of him. I never stop talking to him."
Family members described Gregg as caring, selfless and honest. The 53-year-old loved fishing, and worked at the Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant. He was also an active member at World Outreach Church.
On Oct. 16, 2015, Gregg was on vacation and fishing with his daughter Brandi at the Mona Boat Ramp. Investigators believe he encountered someone who was breaking into cars in the parking lot, and he was shot and killed.
Capt. Britt Reed at the Rutherford County Sheriff's office said the case is still open, and investigators are pursuing all leads.
"Gregg’s death weighs heavily on our detectives," said Capt. Reed. "It has been frustrating. We want to be able to give this family answers."
Family members thanked people who have called in tips on the case and encouraged them to continue. They said any small detail could help catch Gregg's killer.
"You never know when you might be the one that has the right information," said Janet Hawkins, Gregg Hawkins' wife. "We just want justice for Gregg, he deserves it."
Anyone with information can call Det. Ty Downing at (615) 904-3022. There is a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
