Thursday, August 2, 2012

$10,000 Reward Offered for Belmont Killing

A cash reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Matthew Hawkins’ killer, according to Charlotte police.

39 year-old Hawkins was renovating a home on East 17th Street in Belmont on July 10 when he was shot in the head during a robbery.  He died two days later from his injuries.

A $5,000 reward was initially offered by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers.  Police announced Tuesday the Treadstone Group, a private security company, will match Crime Stoppers’ offer, bringing the total reward up to $10,000.  The president of Treadstone, Ross Bulla, is a friend of the Hawkins family and holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from UNC Charlotte.

Hawkin’s girlfriend, who accompanied him at the worksite, has described the suspect as an 18-25 year-old African American with a dark complexion and a slender build.  She said he may have concealed his face with a hat or some kind or covering.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600, with the option to remain anonymous.