Hays County Grand Jury Declines to Charge Officers in San Marcos Fatal Shooting

A Hays County grand jury voted on Friday not to indict two San Marcos Police Department officers involved in the June killing of Thomas Anthony Hawkins III. The decision concludes a review of the incident that took place at the Mission Trail at El Camino Real apartment complex.

Hawkins, 25, was wanted on active warrants for violent offenses in three counties, including Hays County. Three officers responded to the third-floor unit on June 26 after receiving reports that Hawkins was inside. Two officers entered the apartment while a third monitored the balcony from the exterior.

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins' office stated that residents, including Hawkins' brother, exited the apartment to speak with the officers. The brother reported weapons inside and offered to re-enter to negotiate Hawkins' surrender. While the officers waited outside, they heard voices and what prosecutors described as a possible struggle.

The district attorney's office reported that the door opened and the brother pushed Hawkins out of the unit. Hawkins held a knife in his right hand and immediately turned to lunge at one of the officers. Both officers fired their weapons, striking Hawkins multiple times.

The Texas Rangers investigated the shooting with assistance from the San Marcos Police Department. The grand jury examined body camera footage from both officers and the Rangers' investigative findings before determining that no charges should be filed. The office confirmed that the legal process is now complete regarding the officers' actions that day.