Judge Won’t Drop Hawkins Charges

A motion to dismiss murder charges against James Hawkins Jr. on the grounds that he had been granted immunity by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office was denied Friday by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ronald S. W. Lew.

The ruling followed several days of hearings in which several witnesses, including former Dist. Atty. Robert O. Philibosian, took the stand.

Hawkins, whose father, a Watts grocer, gained national attention in 1983 for his fight against street gangs, is accused of slaying alleged gang member Anttwon Thomas.

Defense lawyers argued that immunity was implicitly granted to their client in exchange for his testimony at a preliminary hearing for several gang members who were tried and convicted of engaging in an attack on the elder Hawkins’ home and business. The attorneys said they may appeal Lew’s ruling.

Hawkins, who was initially not prosecuted, was charged after a defense witness in the case against the gang members testified that the shooting was unprovoked.