Ricky Hawkins, 57, of Forest has been arrested for a second time as a result of the fatal two-car accident that occurred on December 29 in front of Walmart in Forest. Hawkins was the driver of a black Dodge Ram truck that collided with the vehicle driven by Tara McDill of Sebastopol and resulted in the deaths of 11-year old Madison “Madi” McDill and her grandmother Connie Phillips.
At the scene of the accident Hawkins refused to submit to both field sobriety tests and blood test. As a result of his refusal he was arrested and charged with DUI. On the same night law enforcement authorities subsequently requested and received a court order requiring Hawkins to submit a blood sample for testing. The blood sample that was submitted was later tested for the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at the Mississippi Crime Lab.
On January 10 law enforcement authorities received the results of Hawkins’ blood test and as a result of the BAC results an arrest warrant was issued for him on January 11. “We received the results of Mr. Hawkins blood test from the crime lab last night and he has been charged with two counts of Aggravated DUI and a warrant for his arrest has been issued,” said District Attorney Steven Kilgore. “He and his attorney have made arrangements for Mr. Hawkins to turn himself in immediately.”
The BAC results from Hawkins’ blood test have not yet been made public. As of press time Tuesday calls requesting the BAC results made to Forest Police Chief Will Jones and Scott County District Attorney Steven Kilgore had gone unanswered.
Hawkins, accompanied by his attorney, turned himself in on the morning of January 11 and was formally arraigned at the Forest Police Department. He was formally charged and pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $150,000 as Hawkins awaits his trial date.
“During the initial investigation of this tragic accident our investigators have worked diligently and continue to do so,” said Chief Jones. “Everyone that has been a part of this investigation from the night of the accident through today has done an excellent job working this case and Mr. Hawkins has been arrested and arraigned.”
“I would like to commend everyone that assisted at the scene because there were many individuals and numerous agencies that worked together,” Jones said. “We worked hand in hand with the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Forest Fire Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol and responders from Life Care.”
At the time of the alleged DUI accident Hawkins was employed by Raytheon Space and Airborne System in Forest as a Principal Analog/RF Engineer. As of press time Raytheon officials had declined to comment on the employment status of Hawkins.
One count of Aggravated DUI-Operation of Vehicle While Under the Influence Causing the Death of Another carries a possible prison sentence of not less than five (5) years and not to exceed twenty-five (25) years. Hawkins is facing two counts for his alleged felony offenses and is facing from 10 to 50 years in prison if found guilty. Hawkins is currently free on bond.
