15-year-old Thomas James Niarhos is accused of killing homeless man, Jeremiah Waylon Hawkins, after Hawkins allegedly raped Niarhos 16-year-old girlfriend in July 2023
A 15-year-old boy from Pennsylvania has been accused of the murder of a homeless man, who was alleged to have sexually assaulted the boy’s 16-year-old girlfriend.
Thomas James Niarhos of Stowe has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Jeremiah Waylon Hawkins, 39, in Pottstown.
The incident occurred when police found Hawkins with a gunshot wound to the head, and Niarhos was apprehended at the scene.
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The firearm used in the shooting was identified as a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic weapon belonging to Niarhos’ father, who shares the same name.
Investigators believe that the shooting may have been motivated by an alleged sexual assault on Niarhos’ girlfriend four months prior, which had been reported to the police.
Previous police records indicate that Niarhos had reported the alleged rape of his girlfriend by Hawkins in July, but the girl’s family did not cooperate with the investigation, and her mother expressed a lack of interest in pressing charges.
According to witness accounts and surveillance footage, Niarhos and Hawkins were seen arguing before Niarhos allegedly shot Hawkins in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Niarhos then reportedly fired another shot at Hawkins before dropping the firearm and walking away, where he was detained by bystanders.
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During his apprehension, Niarhos was recorded shouting at first responders, claiming that Hawkins was a rapist and urging them not to help him. An autopsy conducted on Hawkins confirmed that he had been shot at close range in the side of his face, resulting in his death being ruled a homicide.
Niarhos has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and possessing a firearm as a minor, among other charges.
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