Police Identify Man Shot To Death In South Tulsa Apartment Parking Lot

Tulsa Police are investigating the city's 28th homicide of 2013 after a man was found shot dead in an apartment complex parking lot. It happened early Sunday at the Lewiston Apartments, 51st Street and Lewis Avenue.

Police were called to the Lewiston complex at 3:45 a.m. They found 42-year-old Kevin Hawkins who was shot and killed in an apparent armed robbery.

TPD Cpl. Scott Anderson told News On 6 that Hawkins and his girlfriend had just parked their car when they were approached by a man armed with a handgun who demanded money.

"Apparently he took the female victim's purse, was attempting to take the male's wallet," Anderson said.

Police said Hawkins struggled with the robber and was shot during the fight. Witnesses reported two gunshots, Anderson said. The woman was not injured.

The suspect, described as a thin, black male in his 20s, about 5-foot-7 and wearing braids in his hair, ran away empty-handed.

Homicide Sergeant Dave Walker released Hawkins' name after police were able to notify his family of his death.  

In an exclusive interview with News On 6, Hawkins' family said he was beginning a new chapter in his life.

Cousin Derric Sutton said that right before his murder, Hawkins and his girlfriend were out celebrating his success at Tulsa Tech and his recent hiring as a machinist in Glenpool.

Friday was his first day on the job.

"Kevin was a brother to me," Sutton said. "My family is devastated... It's hard for us to take this to swallow this, it's like a dream it's not real yet."

Sutton said Hawkins leaves behind four children and was "a very caring, a very nurturing person."

The family said Hawkins had begun to attend church again, and that gives them comfort.

"To see him... going back to church was a good deal for us, I just know.. he's in a peaceful place," Sutton said.

The community inside the Lewsiton Apartment complex is still coming to grips, after a man was killed just feet from their homes.

Neighbor Bill Hawkins (no relation) has lived in the complex for five years, and says he was already planning to move out before hearing the news.

"It just seems to be getting worse," he said. "I've had my van stolen; we've had people robbed in the laundromat. A friend of mine that lives across here was armed robbed one night."