The Region : Hawkins Jr. Calls Home
Convicted murderer James Hawkins Jr., who escaped from a downtown Los Angeles courthouse last week, called home to say he was all right, but he refused his family’s pleas to turn himself in, his father said. James Hawkins Sr. said he tried unsuccessfully to learn the whereabouts of his son, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison for a 1983 slaying that set off two nights of gang attacks on the family businesses and home in Watts. The younger Hawkins escaped from the courthouse by kicking through a wire-reinforced safety glass window. He was in court for a preliminary motion in a double-murder case in which he is charged. Also still free is Jesus Gonzalez, 24. Richard Bullock, 25, was caught immediately afterward.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Dec. 6, 1985 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Friday December 6, 1985 Home Edition Part 1 Page 2 Column 1 Metro Desk 2 inches; 48 words Type of Material: Correction
James Hawkins Jr., who is still at large after fleeing from an interview room in the downtown Criminal Courthouse, was incorrectly identified as a convicted murderer in Thursday’s editions of The Times. Hawkins Jr. was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Anttwon Thomas, a reputed gang member, outside the Hawkins’ family store in Watts.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
