DEBBIE HAWK Murder - Dave Hawk Arrested [Archive]

TobyTiger

05-30-2008, 11:38 AM

Couldn't find the previous threads on Debbie Hawk's murder...

There was a breaking development yesterday.

DAVE HAWK ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF EX-WIFE (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=8398459&nav=menu612_7_2)

Hanford, CA-The prime suspect in the Debbie Hawk case was arrested on murder charges Thursday.

Just after 3 p.m., Hanford Police arrested Debbie's ex-husband Dave Hawk,without incident, during a traffic stop at the intersection of Greensville and 5th Ave.

Hawk has been booked on one count of murder at the Kings County Jail.

Hawk has been considered the prime suspect in the disappearance and presumed murder of his ex-wife Debbie Hawk for some time now.

Debbie Hawk disappeared back on June 12th of 2006. The following day, her kids returned to her home to find it a mess, covered with blood, and her van was missing. A day later her van was discovered in a Southwest Fresno neighborhood with blood found in the backseat.

Hawk and her ex-husband had been in the middle of a bitter custody battle at the time of her disappearance. Police searched Dave Hawks home multiple times after she disappeared, and in October of 2006 named him the prime suspect in the case.

more at the link

awareness

05-30-2008, 07:51 PM

Great news! I remember reading about this case before. Her ex-husband sure seemed shifty.

JMO/IMO

TobyTiger

05-30-2008, 07:58 PM

Originally posted by awareness
Great news! I remember reading about this case before. Her ex-husband sure seemed shifty.

JMO/IMO [/*]
It sure is good news!

Earlier today I checked back for the past year and couldn't seem to locate our previous discussions on the case...however hopefully everyone who was interested in Debbie's murder will find this thread.

TobyTiger

05-30-2008, 08:00 PM

Update...

FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF DAVE AND DEBBIE HAWK REACT TO ARREST (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=8401610&nav=menu612_2_1)

Hanford, CA- Friends of Debbie Hawk continue to react to the news her former husband Dave Hawk was arrested, and charged with her murder.

"I'm a little bit on the shock end of this. It's been two years, it's been a long two years," Debbie Hawk friend Michael Ray said.

He says the arrest is a step in the right direction to determining Debbie's killer once and for all.

Ray says patience is key, as the long court process begins.

"All along you just hope for the best, you hope that they're taking the right steps toward solving this case," he said.

Dave Hawk's lawyer Mark Coleman says his client's arrest was a surprise.

"I had no idea he was going to be arrested," he said.

Coleman says Hawk will probably appear before a judge sometime Friday afternoon or Monday.

more at the link

TobyTiger

05-30-2008, 08:03 PM

Another update...

HAWK CASE SHROUDED IN SECRECY (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6175846)

5/30/2008 Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- Hanford Police remain guarded as to what evidence led to the arrest of Dave Hawk for the murder of his ex-wife nearly two years after her disappearance.

The whole morning has been shrouded in secrecy from the very beginning, from the prosecutors to law enforcement officials. In fact, they were hesitant to tell us which room this press conference would be held in up until just minutes before the press conference began at 10am.

This community has been hungry for any new development on the disappearance of Hanford mother Debbie Hawk. This morning they heard just a few words about Dave Hawk's arrest.

Dave Hawk is in a cell all by himself, away from the general population for the murder of his ex-wife Debbie.

The district attorney's office would only reveal the charge he faces, giving the south Valley just a slight clue on the suspected motive in the case that has gripped the community for two years.

The District Attorney's office filed one complaint against David Hawk, charging him with first degree murder of Debbie Hawk and alleging a special circumstance that the murder was committed for financial gain.

Before Hawk's arrest on the murder charge, he was accused of taking money out of his children's trust funds. Hawk was named as a suspect after Debbie disappeared on June 13, 2006.

Police say evidence at Debbie's Hanford home showed she was assaulted and taken against her will.

more at the link

TobyTiger

05-30-2008, 09:45 PM

Originally posted by grammybear
I have been wondering lately if there was any new news. Obviously the police must have some evidence if he has been arrested. I remember reading awhile back that Dave had been dipping into the children's trust funds. I also thought I had read that Debbie had found out about it. That could be the reason that she had to be murdered. I guess time will tell.

jmoo [/*]
He is already facing charges regarding the financial matters. I am not privy to what the Kings County DA's office has now that led to Hawk's arrest for murder and it still will be purely circumstantial, tying the pieces together, to prove his guilt as Debbie's body has never been located.

Amy

05-31-2008, 12:11 AM

Ah, TobyTiger!!! I saw you on the NE thread, and tho't of Debbie Hawk. So glad to see there is finally NEWS to report on this case!!!

As for no body, I was reading in the first post about her kids finding her home a mess *and blood all over* and there being blood in the van. Not that LE said @ the time (that I can remember, and of course the links are gone) about there being such a great loss of blood that the victim would unlikely be alive, but one would wonder with the descriptions of the blood in the house AND the van.

TobyTiger

05-31-2008, 03:42 PM

Originally posted by Amy
Ah, TobyTiger!!! I saw you on the NE thread, and tho't of Debbie Hawk. So glad to see there is finally NEWS to report on this case!!!

As for no body, I was reading in the first post about her kids finding her home a mess *and blood all over* and there being blood in the van. Not that LE said @ the time (that I can remember, and of course the links are gone) about there being such a great loss of blood that the victim would unlikely be alive, but one would wonder with the descriptions of the blood in the house AND the van. [/*]
Greetings, Amy!

I am pleased to see that some have found this new thread and the latest developments. I recall a few posters, including yourself, having interest in this case which is local for me.

To briefly recap what happened: Debbie disappeared sometime between Monday June 12 and the evening of Tuesday June 13, 2006. Her home was ransacked and her van was gone. Neighbors stated she would never leave her three children alone for very long. Her children reported her missing Tuesday evening (June 13). A friend stated the children walked into their home and saw blood. Her van was later recovered in southwest Fresno, on Thursday June 15, 2006. According to LE, the doors were unlocked, the windows rolled down and blood was found in the back seat. According to Capt. David Scott of the Hanford PD, it wasn't a "great amount".

Source: abclocal.com/kfsn articles dated 06/15/06

The location of the van was approximately 31 miles from Debbie's home in Hanford CA.

TobyTiger

05-31-2008, 03:50 PM

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED 05/30/08 CHARGING DAVE HAWK WITH MURDER (http://media.fresnobee.com/smedia/2008/05/30/15/hawk.source.prod_affiliate.8.pdf)

PDF format

:patriot:

TobyTiger

05-31-2008, 03:52 PM

DAVE HAWK REMAINS BEHIND BARS (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6177197)

05/31/2008 Hanford, CA (KFSN) -- Hawk is being held without bail, charged with the murder of his ex wife.

In court Friday Dave Hawk pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder in the death of his ex wife Debbie. His attorney, Marc Coleman, says "He's denied everything. Always has and he still does."

Hawk is also charged with the special circumstance of murder for financial gain, which could make this a death penalty case. Coleman adds "It's a first degree murder with special circumstances, so we have to proceed with caution."

Several of Debbie Hawk's friends came to show their support. Sandra Lackey says, "It's you know it's tough, to see someone my family has been associated with, that we went to church with, it's just very tough."

more at the link

TobyTiger

06-14-2008, 06:01 PM

DAVE HAWK IN COURT ON MURDER CHARGES (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6204522)

Hanford, CA (KFSN) -- Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Hanford mother, Debbie Hawk, went missing from her home. The anniversary falls on the same day her ex-husband was in court for her murder.

Debbie's friends say just a few of them are going ot get together to remember the Hanford mother. Several of them showed up to court today where Dave Hawk appeared on charges for her murder.

Dave Hawk walked into court shackled and in a black and white jumpsuit. He's being held without bail, accused of murdering his ex-wife, Debbie. In court, Hawk's attorney said he needs more time to look over all the evidence relating to Debbie's murder.

Kings County Deputy District Attorney, Larry Crouch says, "It is 4,000 pages and 20 CDs full of information. It's a lot of material."

In court, prosecutors agreed to give back items taken during a search of Dave Hawk's home after he was arrested on embezzlement charges. Mark Coleman, Dave Hawk's attorney, says, "There's a lot of things he wants to get back. Most importantly, he wants to get back things that belong to his family. His daughters and his son that aren't involved with him that belong to his family."

Friday marks the two year anniversary of Debbie Hawk's disappearance. Police say she was taken from her home against her will sometime between the night of June 12 and the morning of June 13, 2006. Blood was found in her house and in her van, discovered two days later in Fresno County. Her body has never been found. Debbie's friends say the last two years have been full of emotional ups and downs.

more at the link

:rose: remembering Debbie

Amy

06-14-2008, 11:22 PM

Debbie :rose:

TobyTiger

07-26-2008, 02:54 PM

First of all, my apologies for not posting this in a timely matter, however with the board down for a while, I forgot until now...

DAVE HAWK MAKES COURT APPEARANCE (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=8628800&nav=menu612_1)

Posted: July 7, 2008 10:07 AM PDT

The man arrested in connection with the disappearance of missing Hanford mother, Debbie Hawk, was back in court on Monday.

Hawk's ex-husband, Dave Hawk, has been charged with Debbie's murder and appeared in a Hanford courtroom Monday for pre-trial proceedings. Hawk's prelim was continued until July 31st; his pre-trial hearing has been set for August 14th.

Hawk was arrested for the crime back in May; he faces enhancements including murder for financial gain and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

more at the link

Amy

07-26-2008, 04:45 PM

Having the board down for so long sure played havok!!!

Thanks for the update.

TobyTiger

07-27-2008, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by Amy
Having the board down for so long sure played havok!!!

Thanks for the update. [/*]
Yeah...I had the article ready at hand to post when it was published, then forgot about it. Real life work also was a distraction!

We'll find out more at the end of this week with the prelim.

:patriot:

tiny paw-prints

07-29-2008, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by TobyTiger

Yeah...I had the article ready at hand to post when it was published, then forgot about it. Real life work also was a distraction!

We'll find out more at the end of this week with the prelim.

:patriot: [/*]

Thanks for the updates, Toby.

:rose: For Debbie and the children.

dref99

07-29-2008, 08:12 PM

TobyTiger

07-31-2008, 08:58 PM

DAVE HAWK GOES BEFORE JUDGE (http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=e520*488-3782-4f5*-91d3-e189cec35c79)

Dave Hawk went before a judge again on Thursday for a preliminary hearing on murder charges.

Hawk is accused of murdering his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk who disappeared two years ago.

Hawk was only in the Kings County court in Hanford for less than ten minutes. His preliminary hearing has now been set for August 14th and he will remain in custody until then.

more at the link

TobyTiger

07-31-2008, 08:59 PM

To everyone...you're welcome!

Will update more as details become available.

:patriot:

TobyTiger

08-14-2008, 04:56 PM

DAMAGING TESTIMONY IN DAVE HAWK PRELIMINARY HEARING (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=8841295&nav=menu612_2_4)

Damaging details of money, hate and death came out in a Kings County Courtroom Thursday morning in the murder case against Dave Hawk.

Hawk was in court for a preliminary hearing, which was set to determine whether there is enough evidence to hold him for trial in the death of his ex-wife Debbie.

During the hearing prosecutors called both Dave and Debbie's father's to the stand, as well as Hawk's ex-girlfriend, Mary Royer.

Royer testified that when Hawk was talking to her about custody of his children he told her quote, "this is not going to stop until she's dead."

Hawk is accused of killing his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, who disappeared from her Hanford home back in June of 2006. Her children found her home in disarray the next day, and police launched an extensive 2-year search for her.

The preliminary hearing is still on-going.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-15-2008, 05:22 PM

DAVE HAWK TO STAND TRIAL FOR MURDER (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=8847563&nav=menu612_9_6)

A Kings County judge has ruled Dave Hawk will be held over for trial in the case of his ex-wife's, Debbie Hawks, disappearance and presumed murder.

The decision came after prosecutors presented information they compiled over a two-year span.

Debbie Hawk disappeared back in June of 2006, and her body has never been found. Dave and Debbie had been in the middle of a bitter custody battle at the time of Debbie's disappearance. Police searched Dave Hawk's home multiple times after she disappeared, and in October of 2006 named him the prime suspect in the case.

Hawk was arrested for the crime back in May of this year; he faces enhancements including murder for financial gain and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

If convicted, Dave Hawk could get the death penalty.

The prosecution claims Hawk allegedly carried out the murder by going to Debbie's house late on the night of June 12th and used a stun gun on her. When that didn't work, Debbie Hawk began to scream and prosecutors say Hawk had to use some type of force to silence her; ultimately killing her.

Then, according to the prosecutions theory, Hawk took Debbie's body and van, and hid her body somewhere. He then took her van and left it in an area in Fresno, where there's high crime and drug use.

While Debbie Hawk's body, along with the murder weapon has never been found, and there's no physical evidence that links Dave Hawk to the crime, a judge ruled there is a financial motive in the case, and reasonable evidence to try Hawk for murder.

According to prosecutors the financial motive was money Hawk allegedly stole from his children's trust fund. Prosecutors allege Hawk stole more than $300,000 dollars from his kids and wanted to silence his ex-wife so he wouldn't be held accountable for that crime.

more at the link

:patriot:

TobyTiger

08-15-2008, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by grammybear
A thought just came to me while reading all the new updates. Was there a body of water anywhere in the vicinity of where Debbie's van was found or anywhere near her home?
I don't know why that thought came to me but anything is possible especially since Debbie's body has never been found.

I have read about a lot of cases where the body is not found for a long time and there are cases where there is a conviction without a body. Those poor children and Debbie's family. This has got to be so hard on all of them as well as her friends.

jmoo [/*]
We're in California's San Joaquin Valley, and no, there are not many bodies of water...however, there are canals and ponding basins, in addition to the Kings River. The area between Hanford and Fresno is predominantly agricultural, including livestock and orchards. The Kings River flows south of Fresno, where its water is diverted for agriculture. The river splits six miles north of Lemoore into a second set of North and South Forks. These forks join again nearly five miles west of Lemoore. Clark's Fork splits off from the second South Fork and flows approximately five miles to rejoin the second North Fork, six miles west-northwest of Lemoore. The river flows through an artificial channel into the normally dry Tulare Lake bed about ten miles south of Stratford.

Hopefully this information has been of some benefit to you. Incidentally, there have been searches, unfortunately, yielding no results of Debbie's remains.

TobyTiger

09-05-2008, 08:29 PM

DAVE HAWK SAYS HE IS NOT GUILTY (http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7e064c05-6aee-4c0c-99*2-950ab7810e5a)

Last Update: 8/29 1:43 pm

Dave Hawk went before a judge in a Kings County courtroom on Friday and said he’s not guilty of killing his ex-wife.

His attorneys are still trying to get the trial moved out of the area. They believe Hawk won't get a fair trial in the Valley.

The attorneys have prepared a survey for people in Kings County as a potential trial site.

more at the link

Amy

09-07-2008, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by TobyTiger
DAVE HAWK SAYS HE IS NOT GUILTY (http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7e064c05-6aee-4c0c-99*2-950ab7810e5a)

Last Update: 8/29 1:43 pm

Dave Hawk went before a judge in a Kings County courtroom on Friday and said he’s not guilty of killing his ex-wife.

His attorneys are still trying to get the trial moved out of the area. They believe Hawk won't get a fair trial in the Valley.

The attorneys have prepared a survey for people in Kings County as a potential trial site.

more at the link [/*]

If I received a survey to ask about my awareness of an out of area case, even if I didn't know about it @ the time, I'd probably start looking into it, just out of curiosity. By the time a trial would occur, there could be a whole lot more people who became "interested" in the case than what the suryvey would indicate.

For Debbie and her kids and family and friends :rose:

TobyTiger

09-08-2008, 07:45 PM

If I received a survey to ask about my awareness of an out of area case, even if I didn't know about it @ the time, I'd probably start looking into it, just out of curiosity. By the time a trial would occur, there could be a whole lot more people who became "interested" in the case than what the suryvey would indicate.

For Debbie and her kids and family and friends :rose:

You're among the majority of people, in my opinion.

He may have his request granted, however, to move the trial out of Kings County where there is not a large population. However, Fresno County, for example would have a vast selection for jurors. There have been other noteworthy cases tried here with a fair verdict, in my opinion.

TobyTiger

09-30-2008, 02:26 PM

PROSECUTORS WILL NOT SEEK DEATH PENALTY (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6417188)

Fresno, CA, USA (KFSN) -- The south valley man accused of killing his ex-wife will not be facing the death penalty.

Prosecutors and Debbie Hawk's friends agree that seeking the death penalty against Dave Hawk would be unfair to Debbie and Dave's 18, 15, and 12 year old children.

Prosecutor Larry Crouch said, "The basic reason is that there are victims in this case of course the children and the parties that are going to be called to testify in this case and it's just under those circumstances you can't seek the death penalty."

Teresa Voyles, Debbie Hawk's friend said, "I'm OK with that, I just..my mind just goes to the three children that have already lost one parent."

Cameras were not allowed inside the courtroom, but Dave Hawk smiled after hearing the prosecution's decision.

Hawk's attorney Mark Coleman said, "There was a sense of relief everybody involved felt a sense of relief."

Dave Hawk is accused of killing his ex-wife, Debbie in June 2006. Her body has never been found. Prosecutors believe Hawk killed his ex-wife after she discovered he stole more than $300-thousand dollars from his children's trust funds. Prosecutors admit they have no d-n-a evidence to tie Dave to Debbie's murder.

more at the link

:patriot:

Amy

09-30-2008, 06:33 PM

Thanks for the update.

I think most of the cases I have seen, the kids want the parent to remain alive. Some realize the parent is guilty, while others are adamant that SODDI.

When I read or hear of something like this, I wonder.....if one of my kids killed the other, or even killed anyone else--would I be able to NOT love him/her? I just can't see me not loving my kids....disappointed, hurt, angry, all kinds of things I would be, but I just don't know if the love would stop.

:rose::rose::rose:For the Hawks children and the family and friends.

yuppielawyer

10-07-2008, 07:00 PM

Maybe I'm missing something but where is the evidence against this guy? I recognize that he had motive, but motive alone is not enough. That was a really bloody crime scene. Where is the physical evidence against this guy? Or even the circumstantial evidence placing him in the area of her home when she was killed or where the van was found? I just don't see how they get past a motion to dismiss without more than just motive. Making some statement in frustration during a bitter custody dispute about how it would never end until his wife was dead doesn't get you there.

TobyTiger

10-12-2008, 06:27 PM

DAVE HAWK SEEKING CHANGE OF VENUE (http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/30394964.html)

Story Updated: Oct 4, 2008 at 10:58 PM EDT

Friends of Debbie Hawk arrived at the Kings County Courthouse for a hearing involving their friend's alleged killer. The brief appearance was continued, but the prosecution and defense established those both parities now have all the evidence in the case which was used to arrest Dave Hawk.

Earlier this week the prosecutor advised the Court, it will not seek the death penalty because the Hawk children will be asked to testify in this case.

Debbie Hawk's body has never been found, but authorities believe based on the bloody mess found at her home, and other evidence, she was murdered. Just before she went missing, Dave Hawk was seeking child support and was recently alleged to have taken large sums of money from his children's trust funds.

Dave Hawk's attorney is now evaluating media coverage and preparing to possibly file a change of venue motion. His client will be back in court Oct. 31.

more at the link

TobyTiger

11-02-2008, 11:42 AM

SETBACK FOR DAVE HAWK'S DEFENSE (http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=21341a8c-94fa-4674-be14-3c4bd6218c0d)

Last Update: 10/31 1:25 pm

There was a setback for the defense in the murder trial of Dave Hawk’s missing ex-wife.

Hawk's attorney argued Friday morning to have the murder case against his client dismissed but the judge disagreed.

Now the court is considering combining Hawk's murder trial with separate charges stemming from alleged financial wrong-doings.

Kings County Deputy District Attorney Larry Crouch said, "We allege the murder is related to the financial crimes. In fact we're saying Mr. Hawk committed the crime for financial gain. So we're optimistic we'll get a favorable ruling there, too."

Hawk is charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Debbie and also with embezzlement of his children’s trust funds. He's now scheduled to be back in court on November 6th

more at the link

Amy

11-02-2008, 12:19 PM

TobyTiger

11-02-2008, 12:31 PM

Had to go back a few articles, cuz I remembered the defense was going to ask for change of venue. When I read this, I tho't--wouldn't you do the dismissal request before the COV request? But, looks like, they asked for dismissal INSTEAD of the COV they were expected to be requesting@ this hearing. So, guess that will be next?

Thanks for the update.
You're welcome!

Perhaps the COV will be addressed again at the upcoming hearing on Thursday.

I do agree the charges should be combined as the financial aspect is part and parcel of the entire case, i.e. motive.

TobyTiger

11-30-2008, 09:43 PM

DAVE HAWK'S TRIAL DELAYED (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6491571)

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Fresno, CA, USA (KFSN) -- The south Valley man accused of murdering his ex-wife may not go to trial until next spring.

Dave Hawk is charged with murdering his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk. On Thursday, a judge approved consolidating his murder trial with several felony financial crimes he's also facing.

Prosecutors said Hawk stole more than $300,000 dollars from his children's trust funds and murdered his ex-wife after she tried to take him to court for embezzlement. Prosecutors wanted to consolidate the embezzlement and murder trials because much of the evidence will be used in both cases.

Larry Crouch, prosecutor: "This case was always going to be presenting a bunch of financials as motive for a killing and these financials were contained in another case we're not surprised by the ruling."

Mark Coleman, Dave Hawk's Attorney said, "Obviously we're disappointed as we've continued all along the evidence with regards to the murder case is extremely weak and they're trying to join the two cases to prejudice the defendant."

Dave Hawk will be back in court in December to set a trial date.

more at the link

Amy

12-02-2008, 01:27 PM

Nice try, defense attorney. Maybe he will spend the delay time to figure out why these two cases are about the same case--he murdered his ex-wife who was going to out him for embezzling their children's trust funds.

TobyTiger

12-08-2008, 09:17 PM

HAWK TRIAL DATE HEARING DELAYED (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=9458751&nav=menu612_2_2)

Posted: Dec 4, 2008 09:42 AM PST

It will be another month before accused murderer Dave Hawk is back in court.

On Thursday Hawk's hearing to set a trial date, was delayed until January 22nd. The delay was granted to give the defense more time to review evidence, since it's currently going through 20,000 pages worth of evidence and possibly 600 witnesses.

Hawk is accused of killing his ex-wife Debbie Hawk, along with taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from his children's trust funds.

more at the link

Amy

12-09-2008, 12:54 PM

TobyTiger

12-14-2008, 06:22 PM

TobyTiger, do you have an update on where the kids are now? And, how long they lived with Dave Hawks? IIRC, the boy (was he the oldest?) had chosen to live w/another relative? From the old thread, I think that is what I read. Are any of them now old enough to be "on their own?" TIA

No, they would still be living with a relative, however, I don't have any current information on exactly where they are.

My apologies for not being able to answer your questions!

TobyTiger

01-22-2009, 10:44 PM

DATE SET FOR DAVE HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=9715678)

Posted: Jan 22, 2009 09:05 AM PST

Dave Hawk, the Hanford man accused of murdering his ex-wife was back in court Thursday morning.

Hawk was in a Kings County Courtroom, where a date was set for his murder trial. While Judge James LaPorte set the trial for July 13th; Hawk's attorney's plan to file a motion for a change of venue in mid-March. The trial is expected to last eight weeks.

Hawk's attorney, Mark Coleman introduced two new attorney's Dennis Peterson and Roger Wilson to Hawk's defense team.

Peterson is best known as being part of the Fresno County prosecution team that put Larrissa Schuster in jail for life. Wilson last worked as a prosecutor for Fresno County.

Both of Hawk's daughters attending the hearing Thursday; maintaining their father's innocence. The Hawk's other child, a son named Conrad, was not in court, but has spoken out against his father.

Kings County Prosecutors say Hawk murdered Debbie Hawk, back in 2006, for financial gain. Debbie Hawk was last seen on June 12th, 2006. The following day, her children found her home in disarray, prompting police to launch an extensive 2-year search for her.

The Hawks had been in the middle of a bitter custody battle at the time of her disappearance. Police searched Dave Hawk's home multiple times after Debbie's disappearance, and in October of 2006 named him the prime suspect in the case. Hawk was eventually arrested for the crime back in May of 2008.

Hawk has also been accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his children's trust funds. In December a judge ruled to combine the murder and embezzlement charges when he heads to trial.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him. Debbie Hawk's body has never been found.

Leanne Weich

01-22-2009, 11:03 PM

Amy

01-25-2009, 10:09 AM

TobyTiger

02-01-2009, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the update TT. I was thinking of this case the other day but couldn't remember the surname to search for it. I have no doubt he killed Debbie and I hope he is convicted.

You're welcome!

While most do agree with you, Hawk does have an excellent defense team now.

We shall see...

TobyTiger

02-01-2009, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the update. I'm surprised the defense hasn't asked for a continuance for the 2 new team members to get "up to speed." However they seem to be intelligent type folks, and they do have until July to get there.

They should get up to speed quickly, however, the actual trial date may depend on the COV Motion the defense plans to file next month and whether or not it is granted.

starling

02-01-2009, 05:17 PM

:seeya: Hi Toby...always good to see ya..thanks for the update!

TobyTiger

02-15-2009, 12:21 PM

:seeya: Hi Toby...always good to see ya..thanks for the update!

Greetings!

Will continue to update as more news is available.

debbie59

03-04-2009, 07:53 PM

The next hearing for Dave Hawk is Fri. March 6, 2009 in the Kings County Court in Hanford, CA. I imagine his attorneys might request the change of venue at that time or maybe come up with another request to further delay the proceedings.

As for the 3 children of Dave and Debbie Hawk, the eldest child, a son, is 18 and has not lived with his father since August of 2006 when he was removed from Dave Hawk's custody by Child Protective Services after Dave abused him. He was placed in foster care, graduated high school in 2007 and now is away from Hanford in college. He was in the courtroom with Debbie's parents and sister back in Aug. 2008 at the preliminary hearing. His two sister, now age 17 and 13, lived with their father until he signed their custody over to his parents in June 2007 when he was first arrested for the financial crimes including stealing from their trust funds. The two girls remain in the custody of their paternal grandparents.

Hawk and his attorneys have suddenly found it beneficial to parade the girls in the courtroom as it garners publicity and helps their request for a change of venue. It's so sad to see children manipulated and exploited. It is portrayed that the girls support their father and possibly they do out of fear and/or because he is the only parent they have left.
Their older brother does not support his father...perhaps because he was old enough to understand what happened with regard to the thefts from the trust funds as well as his mother's disappearance and murder.

Clearly Hawk's father has ponied up the cash to buy him a good defense, plus there is no body in the case making it an uphill battle for the prosecution. The financial crimes are all on paper and should be easy enough to prove...but then juries are often not the brightest bulbs in the box. I hope he is convicted at the very least for those crimes and hopefully for Debbie's murder which I feel in my gut, he committed.

Amy

03-05-2009, 05:46 AM

Thanks for the update, and info on the kids. Sounds like the son is doing well, in spite of all that has happened. I would guess, living with his parents, the girls probably only hear what he and they want them to, and I am sure the info would be positive about their dad. Hard telling if they will ever have their eyes opened.

debbie59

03-05-2009, 11:15 AM

Yes, it's sad about the 2 girls. They need counseling badly which they are not getting and like most children who've suffered a trauma and loss, they cling to what they have left. Dave Hawk's father is a nice man. He's in an awful position. His son stole the money he, as the grandfather, entrusted his son (Dave), with for his grandkids. Indirectly, Dave stole from his own father and his kids (although legally the theft is from his kids). I'm sure it's difficult to entertain the thought that one's own son could be a thief let alone a murderer. So, in his old age, the senior Hawk is being bled dry financially by attorneys to defend his probably guilty son.

Dave Hawk has wreaked havoc on a lot of lives: his ex wife Debbie obviously, his son whom he abused, his daughters whom he continues to manipulate even from jail, his parents, Debbie's parents, siblings, friends, and the list goes on. The whole situation is a tragedy all around.

penguin01

03-05-2009, 11:38 AM

Perhaps to his own financial ruin - unless he is very, very rich and if so I missed that. Perhaps we see part of the problem in Dave's upbringing here. Love is one thing - but unconditional support seems ridiculous to me. Dave is a grown man - let him take care of his own consequences IMO.
I love my kids - but when it comes to - "you're definitely a thief, and an abuser - hope you're not a murderer - here have some more money"...... Huh? Does that make any kind of sense?

debbie59

03-05-2009, 12:58 PM

I agree with you, Penguin. I think his father is very foolish. Dave Hawk has not had a real job for about a decade. During that time, he siphoned money out of the kids' trust funds. His home is walking distance from his dad's. His dad knew Dave did not work. He knew that Dave owed back child support for years and watched him drive around in new cars, buy the latest tech stuff for his home, take trips with his girlfriend, etc. Instead of paying attorneys to get him off, Big Bucks Daddy should be replenishing the kids' trust funds and letting Dave use a public defender.

There are two other Hawk boys. Both are decent guys with families who haven't had much to do with Dave for years, long before Debbie disappeared. That speaks volumes right there. I wonder how they feel about their father dumping their inheritance into the worthless prodigal son?

debbie59

03-05-2009, 01:13 PM

Oh, yeah, and Dave's house has been on the brink of foreclosure several times beginning when all the trust fund money was dwindling. Interesting..that in early 2006 shortly after he tried to go after Debbie, his ex wife THE VICTIM in this case to get more custody of the three kids so she would have to pay him child support. After all, Debbie Hawk actually WORKED, payed her mortgage and supported her 3 kids as a single mother!

So he (and his girlfriend who admitted at the preliminary hearing that she "suggested" to Dave that he pursue more custody of the kids and see if he could get Debbie to pay him), opened the custody can of worms which caused Debbie to get an attorney who subpoenaed his financial info which revealed the missing trust fund money. Are you following me so far?

Then just before the matter was to go to court, Debbie disappears? Gee, who do you think stood to gain from her going missing??

There may be no body (hence no DNA) and the case may be circumstantial but it's pretty clear that this was no random violent act.
Dave needed Debbie out of the way and the timing on that was more than a coincidence.

penguin01

03-05-2009, 02:05 PM

Yes - I was following you. Amazing stuff - thanks for the detailed info.

I would imagine Dave's brothers must have long been upset with Dad to keep bailing the deadbeat out...and this is just more of the same.
A decade without a job? I agree with you - if Dad has the bucks to spend - let him replenish the children's stolen funds instead of supporting (what I hope will be) a failed defense of his abusive, deadbeat son. Not gonna happen is it? same old, same old. Can't fix stupid, eh?

debbie59

03-05-2009, 02:29 PM

You got it, Penguin. Just because someone has money doesn't mean they have brains.

If my son did spent the money I'd given him in "trust" for my grandchildren, I'd have called him on the carpet the moment I found out and written his lazy butt out of my will way back when. I guess I just do not understand that level of denial.

debbie59

03-06-2009, 07:52 PM

Here's the latest on the Hawk case (from KMPH Fresno Channel 26):

Dave Hawk's attorneys were back in court on Friday asking for his trial be dismissed and for the Kings County DA's office to be taken off the case.

Hawk is accused of murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk and illegally taking money from his children's trust funds.

The morning began with retired judge Daniel Creed introducing himself to the court after taking over the case from Judge George L. Orndoff. Orndoff recused himself from the case last month due to connections he had with both sides of the Hawk family.

Creed is from the Bay Area, and told the court he's heard criminal trials in Santa Clara Superior Court for over 20 years.

Hawk's attorneys made a number of claims Friday morning, among them they say the District Attorney's office withheld evidence from them, and that DA Investigators committed violations while gathering evidence for the case. Specifically, Hawk's attorney's claim one investigator read letters Dave Hawk wrote to his then-divorce attorney which they claim is a violation of attorney-client confidentiality privileges.

However Kings County prosecutors maintain they did 'not' purposely withhold evidence, and their investigators did nothing wrong.

Ultimately the day's hearing was delayed until the end of the month to give the judge time to familiarize himself with the case.

At that time the defense is expected to call two Fresno Police Officers, and a Department of Justice investigator to the stand. They're also expected to file their motion for a change of venue along with asking the judge to recuse the whole Kings County District attorney's office from the case and have the case thrown out.

Hawk's attorneys say the Attorney General would take over the case if the Kings County D.A.'s office were removed.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Debbie Hawk disappeared from her Hanford home back in 2006. She was last seen on June 12th 2006; the following day her children found her home in disarray, prompting police to launch an extensive 2-year search for her.

The Hawks had been in the middle of a bitter custody battle at the time of her disappearance. Police searched Dave Hawk's home multiple times after Debbie's disappearance, and in October of 2006 named him the prime suspect in the case. Hawk was eventually arrested for the crime in May of 2008.

In December of 2008 a judge ruled to combine the murder and embezzlement charges when he heads to trial.

Debbie Hawk's body has never been found; the trial date for Dave Hawk has been set for July 13th.

Stay with KMPH and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story.
************************************************** ***
Looks like more delays and shenanigans on the part of the defense. They are posturing for that change of venue and racking up those billable hours for Hawk's father to pay. If they keep changing judges like this, Dave Hawk and the rest of the players will die of old age. Of course the defense wants to keep delaying it, too, so that some of the witnesses will move, die, forget. Think of what this is costing the tax payers with all these delays not to mention the frustration of the the victim's family.

TobyTiger

03-06-2009, 11:53 PM

Thank you debbie59 for posting the updates and detailed information....

From the content of your posts, can it be assumed you are here in the Valley and/or know the family?

If not, kudos for following the case so thoroughly!

Amy

03-07-2009, 11:19 AM

Dave Hawk's attorneys were back in court on Friday asking for his trial be dismissed and for the Kings County DA's office to be taken off the case

Wonder why this defense attorney missed the usual--wanting all evidence that points to his client's guilt be barred from being used in the trial--it would prejudice the jury against him, you know, lol.

I guess asking for the prosecution, the DA to be removed from the case is this year's mantra of defense attorneys.

TobyTiger

03-08-2009, 01:51 PM

Another article re: Friday's proceedings

HEARING DELAYED IN DAVE HAWK MURDER PROSECUTION (http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1245425.html)

A visiting judge postponed for three weeks a hearing on defense motions in the murder prosecution of Dave Hawk of Lemoore, whose ex-wife disappeared in 2006.

Judge Daniel Creed, a retired judge from Santa Clara County, said he needed time to become familiar with the case. A new court date was set for March 27.

A visiting judge is hearing the high-profile case because a Kings County judge recused himself last month, saying he had received information on the case from the families of Hawk and of his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, who is presumed dead. Her body has not been found.

During Friday's court session, defense attorneys Mark Coleman and Dennis Peterson of Fresno criticized the District Attorney's Office for trying to block access to potential evidence.

Coleman said he wanted the judge to rule that the defense may look at Hanford Police Department police reports from around the time Debbie Hawk disappeared. It's possible that whoever killed her was committing other serious crimes about the same time, Coleman said in media interviews.

He said the District Attorney's Office, which is opposing the motion, has no legal standing to ask that the defense be prohibited from looking at the police reports because they weren't produced by the District Attorney's Office. It would be up to the Hanford city attorney to oppose the motion, he said, and the city attorney has expressed no opposition.

Peterson said the District Attorney's Office withheld information from the defense that would benefit Hawk. Peterson alleged that prosecutors at a preliminary hearing tried to link Hawk to the shooting of Debbie Hawk's divorce attorney in Fresno, when it had solid evidence to the contrary that it never disclosed to the defense.

The defense also said that prosecution investigators looked at written communications between Hawk and his former attorneys, violating Hawk's attorney-client privilege rights. They asked the judge to remove the district attorney from the case.

Outside of court, Kings County Deputy District Attorney Larry Crouch denied that prosecutors had withheld information or alleged that Dave Hawk was involved in the shooting of attorney Kim Aguirre of Fresno.

"I have no idea where that theory came from," Crouch said.

He also said that the district attorney by law is in charge of all police reports in the county, including those the defense wants to see. And when Hawk wrote letters to his divorce attorney on a work computer, "he waived confidentiality as a condition of employment," Crouch said.

After the hearing, Coleman said he would file a change-of-venue motion by the end of the month to have the case heard outside of Kings County because of pretrial publicity.

debbie59

03-16-2009, 06:37 PM

[QUOTE=TobyTiger;12865101]Thank you debbie59 for posting the updates and detailed information....

From the content of your posts, can it be assumed you are here in the Valley and/or know the family?

Yes, I know ALL the players and have for many many years.

TobyTiger

03-21-2009, 02:59 PM

Yes, I know ALL the players and have for many many years.

Good to know...and welcome!

:seeya:

TobyTiger

04-04-2009, 09:20 PM

DAVE HAWK'S ATTORNEYS PUSH FOR TRIAL DISMISSAL (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6732554)

03/27/09

Hanford, CA (KFSN) -- Attorneys for a South Valley man accused of killing his ex-wife tried to get the case dismissed on Friday. Dave Hawk is accused of killing his ex-wife, Debbie, in June 2006.

Hawk's attorneys are hoping the murder charges get dismissed against their client. Dennis Peterson, Hawk's attorney, says "The reason it's a paper thin case is there's absolutely no evidence to connect Dave to the disappearance Debbie Hawk. There's no physical evidence and no forensic evidence."

Dave Hawk is accused of killing his ex-wife, Debbie in June 2006. Prosecutors say he stole more than $300,000 from his children's trust funds and killed Debbie after she took him to court on the issue. During Friday's hearing, Fresno police officers testified about a shooting at the Fresno office of Debbie Hawk's divorce attorney, Kim Aguirre, one month before she disappeared.

They revealed Debbie Hawk called and told police her ex-husband, Dave, was likely responsible for the shooting of her attorney.

Larry Crouch, who is prosecuting the case, says "I knew she had that suspicion but I didn't realize she actually talked to a Fresno Police officer until this hearing."

The subject of the shooting angered the defense. Hawk's attorneys say the prosecution wrongly implied their client committed the shooting and his evidence that showed actually another person was a suspect. Prosecutors deny the claims.

Hawk's attorneys are also asking to remove the Kings County District Attorney's office form the case, saying they violated Hawk's attorney-client privilege by obtaining documents written to and from Hawk and his attorney.

Mark Coleman, Dave Hawk's attorney, says "We believe the appropriate remedy is dismissal and if they're going to start over, to appoint a new attorney to represent the people in this case."

Dave Hawk will be back in court next month. At that time the judge is expected to rule on whether to dismiss the murder charges. He's also expected to rule on whether to remove the District Attorney's office from the case.

more at the link

doctor_J

04-05-2009, 03:11 AM

Whatever happened to the child Pornography charges? And what were these about? Anyone know?? I read in the first article that these charges were dropped .

debbie59

04-07-2009, 03:01 PM

BobbisAngel

04-09-2009, 01:15 AM

Does anyone know what happened in court on March 22nd? I wish they would stop fooling around and try this monster. His case has been crawling along for ages. It's time. I hope he gets LWOP and never gets to see his daughters again.

I hope things are going good for the son in college. I wonder why Dave ended up abusing his son? I read somewhere right after the murder that the boy had moved in with one of his teachers or coaches. I hope the girls eyes are opened when they are older. Their dad is really something else...arrogant creep.

merical

05-02-2009, 03:31 PM

The child porn charges were dropped a while back. Apparently the law says there have to be a certain amount of porn images on one's computer in order to make the charges stick. The amount found on Dave's computer did not constitute a felonious amount (I guess that means he's only a misdemeanor level pervert?). It's a shame those charges were dropped because it shows again what kind of person the accused really is and one of the reasons Debbie left him in the first place. Funny how his kool-aid drinking church buddies brush off his possession of child porn as well as his thievery from his kids.
(my bold). I agree with you. My kids attend the same school as the Hawk children did (the elementary school) and I find it interesting, even now, how the whole thing is so hush-hush. I was doing errands one day, and came to the 14th/Grangeville intersection and there appeared to be a swat team doing manuevers at the site of the old furniture store (now a church). I was curious about that. Later I found out they were 'practicing' manuevers as they planned to arrest Hawk that day...and later I heard he was arrested while attempting to pick up one the kids from school or something. Still....all of it is so vague....its amazing how those in the community manage to talk about it, but still keep a lot of it under wraps in an effort to protect the kids.

Anyway, here is a new link...for what its worth://http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1373195.html...

debbie59

05-04-2009, 03:40 PM

debbie59

05-04-2009, 03:59 PM

I wish they would stop fooling around and try this monster. His case has been crawling along for ages. It's time. I hope he gets LWOP and never gets to see his daughters again.

ME TOO!!!

I hope things are going good for the son in college. I wonder why Dave ended up abusing his son? I read somewhere right after the murder that the boy had moved in with one of his teachers or coaches. I hope the girls eyes are opened when they are older. Their dad is really something else...arrogant creep.

The oldest Hawk child, the son, was removed from Dave Hawk's custody by Child Protective Services (CPS) in Aug. 2006 after his father threw him up against the wall and told him to "get the f--- out of the house". The boy, then just 16, was hiding in the orchard when he called a clergyman for help. He never went back to that house and was foster child. One of the teachers from his school and her family became his foster family until he graduated from high school and turned 18. Prior to the removal by Kings County CPS, Dave Hawk verbally abused and terrorized that kid. The son always suspected his father had harmed his mother and when Dave bad-mouthed Debbie shortly after her disappearance and the son stuck up for his mom, the abuse escalated.

Of course, the good paster from Lemoore Presbyterian lied to the media a while back and said that Dave let him go live with his friends when he knew damned good and well that he'd been removed due to abuse. The boy lived in fear of his father coming after him until finally Dave was locked up just days before the son graduated from high school last year. Despite all he'd been through, the son got a full scholarship to college and is doing well, relieved to be away from his abuser.

Amy

05-04-2009, 07:47 PM

It's kind of funny to me that Mark Coleman, Dave Hawk's attorney, keeps talking about surveying Kings County residents to bolster his case for a change of venue because this case is so "high profile" that Dave Hawk can't get a fair trial. This isn't the Lacy Peterson case which got national coverage from day one or OJ Simpson which involved a celebrity and a big media circus. The people in that county who've made up their minds about Dave Hawk are those who attend Lemoore Presbyterian and they are biased on the side of their beloved Dave.

If the case is so big and people have made up their minds, then why is it that there are few if any comments on the news blogs anymore after the court dates? Dave Hawk is old news; his 15 minutes of fame have passed. But then Mr. Coleman has every reason to drag this thing out. The longer is goes on, the more money he drains out of Stan Hawk's bank account. Get a clue, Stan, your son and his attorney are gonna bleed you dry.

Seems like some defense attorneys can't stand it when their case isn't in the news every single day. Gotta have that constant media attention in order to call for change of venue, you know. And, even if this one isn't in front of the reporters' microphones every day, seems if he goes out into the community to canvass the residents, he is trying to keep this case up front in the minds of everyone. Wonder if he does more than ask, or if he tries to make sure they have plenty of info they don't get in the news.

Amy

05-04-2009, 08:40 PM

Good for the son. Shows that people CAN succeed despite controversy, abuse and even worse things. Blessings on the folks who took him in, protected him from one person who should have been there for him.

He sounds like a kid who will go far in life. I wish him happiness and success, and hope his sisters will be able to do the same, that eventually they will have the true facts about their father. I hope they know that their mother loved them, and are not being told things like she abandoned them. I don't suppose their father ever says anything positive about their mother to them, sure hope his parents have the courage and love to make sure they remember their mother loved them.

debbie59

05-05-2009, 06:45 PM

All three kids loved their mother dearly and they do remember her with love and respect always. They miss her terribly, of course. Debbie's family and friends are there for those kids. Even their paternal grandparents always liked Debbie even after she and Dave divorced. Most people, (except for Dave Hawk), liked her. She was a likable person and a loving and devoted mother.

Amy

05-05-2009, 10:38 PM

That is good news. When there is separation and divorce, sometimes the family of "the other side" can be less then kind when talking to the children about the other parent. It is good to know that Dave Hawk seems to be the only skunk in the bushes, and that Debbie's family can be with the girls, and his family are supportive of Debbie.

TobyTiger

05-10-2009, 09:38 PM

JUDGE REJECTS HAWK'S BID TO DROP MURDER CHARGES (http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1374005.html)

excerpts:

A judge Friday (05/01/09) refused to order Kings County prosecutors to drop murder charges against David Hawk of Lemoore, who is awaiting trial in the presumed death of his ex-wife Debbie Hawk. Her body never has been found.

Hawk's defense attorneys said after the hearing that they will appeal the ruling to the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Fresno on grounds that prosecutors withheld evidence that could free Hawk. Defense attorneys also said they still plan to seek a change of venue.

Judge Daniel E. Creed gave no reason for ruling against defense claims that the Kings County District Attorney's Office wrongly held back a police report about an incident in Fresno in which Debbie Hawk's divorce attorney was shot by an unknown assailant.

Prosecutors tried to connect Hawk to that incident when they argued before a previous judge that he should be tried for murder, his attorney's have claimed.

But Creed also dealt a small setback to the prosecution by saying the Kings County District Attorney's Office could not seek a court order barring Hawk's lawyers from looking at Hanford Police Department reports from around the time of Debbie Hawk's disappearance in June 2006. Rather, the city attorney must make such a request, Creed said.

The Hawk trial is scheduled to start July 10. A court hearing will be May 22 on a claim by Hawk's lawyers that the district attorney violated Hawk's attorney-client-privilege rights by peering at legal documents found on his home computer.

debbie59

06-10-2009, 07:02 PM

There is a hearing scheduled for tomorrow in the Hawk matter. I wonder what legal shenanigans the defense will dream up for tomorrow's dog and pony show?

Amy

06-10-2009, 11:34 PM

Thanks. Will be awaiting the update. Probably full of things to get or attempt to get more delays. IMO

TobyTiger

06-13-2009, 10:49 PM

There is a hearing scheduled for tomorrow in the Hawk matter. I wonder what legal shenanigans the defense will dream up for tomorrow's dog and pony show?

Local media has nothing new...

What happened with the hearing?

trucrime

06-15-2009, 08:51 PM

Debbie59 thanks for your insight regarding the case.

FWIW - IMO this case is NOT "high profile". Example: I live in SoCal. Every day we'd hear about Laci Peterson. I only get updates on the Hawks case from reading this board. We only hear about the Melissa Huckaby case in Tracy on the local papers website (OC Register) because Melissa once lived in OC. I dont hear news updates on the TV about Huckaby's case nor the Hawks. JMO.

Its time Dave was tried for this crime!

trucrime

06-15-2009, 08:54 PM

The Hawk trial is scheduled to start July 10. A court hearing will be May 22 on a claim by Hawk's lawyers that the district attorney violated Hawk's attorney-client-privilege rights by peering at legal documents found on his home computer.

Well gee, child porn was also found. :rolleyes: Can't blame the DA for thoroughly investigating the computer contents. What's their next excuse, "there's a cloud in the sky"? JMO.

debbie59

06-25-2009, 05:52 PM

Amy

06-27-2009, 11:03 AM

There was a hearing this morning in Hanford, CA for accused murderer Dave Hawk. His attorneys previously filed a motion to remove all of the Kings County DA's office staff from the case claiming Dave's attorney/client privilege was violated when computer files from Dave's former employer were siezed. Today the judge DENIED that motion.

The judge also denied the defense's request for police records of crimes committed in Hanford around the time Debbie Hawk disappeared. (I'm speculating here, but I think defense trying to show Debbie lived in a high crime area (which she did not)...it's not like there was a serial killer loose in Hanford in June 2006).

Trial is supposedly now going to begin Aug. 10th. Jury will have to be selected and if unable to get a jury in Kings County, a change of venue could be granted.

At this point, move the trial if need be, but get it going.

I really don't see how seizing computer files from a suspects employer has anything to do with attorney/client priviledge. Good grief, computers are seized in about every case these days. And those that weren't probably should have been.

Hope it all gets started on Aug 10, no further delays. I always equate delay, delay, delay with guilt. It just seems that, if one is innocent, there is proof enough of that, that the defense wouldn't have to keep grasping @ straws. I guess we can give his defense attorneys a kudos for not proclaiming they know who the perp is and they will prove that @ trial.

dref99

06-27-2009, 09:31 PM

Many thanks for the update Debbie - a small item from the FresnoBee

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1500517.html

debbie59

07-07-2009, 05:31 PM

If this case is so "high profile" per Mr. Hawk's attorneys, how come there is such sparse local coverage and no comments to what stories the papers there do carry? I guess people are interested in other things besides Dave Hawk and his attorneys antics.

trucrime

07-08-2009, 06:09 PM

TobyTiger

07-21-2009, 09:18 PM

JUDGE WAITS TO DECIDE HAWK TRIAL LOCATION (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1549990.html)

Published online on Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2009

3:37 p.m.: A judge has decided to listen to prospective jurors next week before deciding whether David Hawk's murder trial should be moved out of Kings County. Jury selection is set to begin on Monday.

Lawyers for Hawk, accused of killing his ex-wife, argued in Kings County Superior Court today that the case should be moved because extensive news coverage prevents Hawk from getting a fair trial in Kings County.

Mark Coleman, one of Hawk's attorneys, said the murder case has been the most covered story in the Hanford Sentinel every year since 2006, when Hawk's ex-wife, Debbie, disappeared. Her body has never been found.

"There is certainly a substantial likelihood that the jury pool is tainted," Coleman said.

Prosecutor Shane Burns said the defense claim that Hawk cannot get a fair trial in Kings County is speculation. "We need to sit down [potential] jurors and ask questions," he said.

Visiting Judge Daniel E. Creed deferred a decision on whether the case should be moved until after jury selection begins next week. About 90 potential jurors will be summoned to Kings County Superior Court Monday to fill out questionnaires.

"I want to satisfy in my own mind whether Mr. Hawk can get a fair trial," Creed said. "Where the answers fall is where the court will make its decision."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:30 p.m.: The judge in the David Hawk murder trial ruled today that prosecutors may introduce evidence that Hawk purchased a stun gun shortly before the disappearance of his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk.

But visiting Judge Daniel E. Creed also ruled in favor of a defense motion to ban evidence about the shooting of Debbie Hawk's lawyer, Kim Aguirre.

Hawk, 51, of Lemoore, is accused of killing Debbie Hawk, whose body has never been found. She disappeared in June 2006.

Prosecutors say the stun gun purchase was part of David Hawk's plan to kill his ex-wife. "Our theory is that the plan was to have Debbie Hawk vanish and not leave a crime scene," prosecutor Larry Crouch said today in Kings County Superior Court.

Prosecutors also believe David Hawk was possibly connected to the May 2006 shooting of Aguirre, which took place the day before a court hearing concerning an alleged theft from the Hawk children's trust account. Debbie Hawk had accused her husband of stealing $300,000 from the account.

Defense attorney Mark Coleman said that evidence was highly prejudicial and irrelevant to the murder case.

Attorneys will argue this afternoon on the defense motion for a change of venue. The defense contends that pretrial publicity in the region has tainted the jury pool, making it impossible for David Hawk to get a fair trial. Creed is not expected to rule on the change of venue motion today.

Jury selection is still scheduled to begin July 27, and opening arguments on Aug. 10.

debbie59

07-22-2009, 05:30 PM

I'm betting the judge grants the change of venue in this case. It's not altogether a bad thing for the prosecution. Remember Hawk is charged with more than the murder of his ex-wife. He's also being tried on embezzelment, fraud, forgery and several other felonies. While he may not get convicted of all the charges, he should certainly be convicted on some of them. As long as 12 unbiased jurors with more than half a brain can be found, it doesn't matter where the trial is held IMHO. In the meantime, the accused is still behind bars which is a good thing.

trucrime

07-22-2009, 06:04 PM

TobyTiger

07-22-2009, 09:53 PM

Id rather a change of venue to give him one less reason for a potential appeal. I think it'd be better overall if there's a chance the pool is tainted. PS - for being such a "high profile case" this thread is STILL the only place I hear updates about the case. JMO.

The case is discussed here in the immediate vicinity of Kings County due to shared local news media. However, I would not describe it as "high-profile", when compared with other more notorious cases in Central California.

The current population of Kings County is approximately 150,000. It is largely comprised of agriculture, small towns and Lemoore NAS.

I share your opinion if a COV prevents the possibility of a guilty verdict being overturned, so be it.

TobyTiger

07-22-2009, 09:58 PM

STUN GUN PART OF EVIDENCE IN HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10767171&nav=menu612_2)

Hanford - A judge allows a stun gun to be submitted as evidence, in the Dave Hawk murder trial.

Hawk is the South Valley man accused of murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk in 2006.

The judge will also soon decide, whether the extensive media coverage of the case, has biased the jury pool.

Judge Daniel Creed grants both the prosecution and the defense small victories during pre-trial hearings.

The judge will allow prosecutors to present a stun-gun as evidence.

They believe Hawk bought it and used it to subdue Debbie.

"It's our belief the perpetrator of this crime, planned to cause Debbie Hawk to become a missing person without leaving a crime scene; he intended to use a stun gun to facilitate that," said Larry Crouch, Kings County prosecutor.

"There's just no evidence of that, there's no evidence the stun gun was used, we believe that it should've been excluded," argued Mark Coleman, Hawk's attorney.

Meanwhile, the judge is not allowing any testimony about the shooting of Kim Aguirre, Debbie Hawk's divorce attorney, to be used as evidence.

Prosecutors say hawk is linked to the may 2006 shooting, which happened a day before Aguirre was supposed to present information about hawk stealing from his kids' trust funds.

He allegedly stole about $300,000 from the accounts.

Hawk is being charged with the special circumstance of murder for financial gain.

"It's evidence we would've preferred to get in, but we've been realistic, we're not surprised by the ruling and it never entered into our calculations when we filed the case," said Crouch.

As for whether the trial will stay in Kings County, the judge will wait and see how jurors answer a publicity questionnaire, before making a final decision.

"There's certainly the substantial likelihood that the jury pool is tainted, however he's going to wait and ask the jurors when they come in and he's entitled to do that... We'll wait and see what the jurors have to say," said Coleman.

About 360 Kings County residents will be summoned next week for the trial during the jury selection process.

If convicted, Hawk could face the death penalty.

Debbie Hawk's body, has still not been found.

debbie59

07-27-2009, 06:52 PM

I don't understand why the judge is even bothering to interview all these jurors. IMHO he should just grant the change of venue.

The way I understand it, if that happens, the judicial board comes up with a choice of 3 counties to choose from. Once it's agreed upon, the case along with the current judge go there to hear the case. They say it takes approximately 60 days to complete this process. Then the case has to get on to the new county's docket for trial. That means it could possibly be delayed until 2010.

While I agree it's not really a high profile case, one would have to be living under a rock not to have heard about it in Kings or Fresno counties over the past three years. I agree it would be better for all concerned on both sides to move the darn thing out of the area entirely.

TobyTiger

07-27-2009, 08:52 PM

JURY SELECTION BEGINS IN HAWK TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10796381&nav=menu612_2_11)

Posted: July 27, 2009 09:36 AM PDT

Jury selection will get underway Monday morning in Kings County, for the murder and embezzlement trial against Dave Hawk.

Hawk stands accused of murdering his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, and illegally taking money from his children's trust funds.

About 360 Kings County residents are expected to be summoned for the trial during the jury selection process. They will be given a five-page questionnaire which includes questions including, whether they had seen media coverage of the case or attended any memorials for Debbie Hawk.

While in court last week, prosecutors argued Hawk bought a stun gun and used it to subdue his ex-wife Debbie. A judge allowed the stun-gun to be submitted as evidence.

Dave Hawk has pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, his attorneys have argued for a change of venue, saying it will be hard to find an impartial jury.

If the trial stays in Hanford, opening arguments are expected to begin August 10th. The trial is expected to last at least two months.

more at the link

debbie59

08-03-2009, 12:58 PM

Apparently jury selection is going better than anyone expected in Kings Co. The judge will decide by Thurs. whether or not there are enough jurors to seat the jury there. If there are, the trial starts Aug. 10th. We'll know in a few more days.

The local paper, "The Hanford Sentinel", ran a recap of Debbie Hawk's case in the Sunday edition. Not surprisingly as has been the pattern of that paper, the story reflects some inaccuracies. (I'm not expecting any Pulitzer Prize winning journalism out of that publication.)

I'm just praying that a good jury is chosen and justice be served.

Amy

08-03-2009, 09:26 PM

Thanks for the update.

TobyTiger

08-05-2009, 09:55 PM

JURY SELECTION CONTINUES IN HAWK CASE (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10844908)

Posted: Aug 4, 2009 09:28 AM PDT

The decision on whether the trial for a Lemoore man, accused of murder, will be moved out of Kings County may soon be known.

Dave Hawk stands accused of murdering his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, and illegally taking money from his children's trust funds.

On Monday, eight jurors were dismissed from consideration for the trial of Dave Hawk, with attorneys scheduled to question another 48 jurors on Tuesday.

The defense wants to move the trial out of Kings County, saying intense media coverage will make it impossible to find fair and impartial jury. The judge is expected to rule whether the case will be moved by Thursday.

If the change of venue motion is denied a jury will be seated and opening arguments will begin Monday.

Debbie Hawk disappeared from her Hanford home over three years ago. She was last seen on June 12th 2006. Her children found her home in disarray the following day, prompting police to launch an extensive 2-year search for her.

The Hawk's had been in the middle of a bitter custody battle at the time of her disappearance. Police searched Dave Hawk's home multiple times after Debbie's disappearance, and in October of 2006 named him the prime suspect in the case. Hawk was eventually arrested for the crime in May of 2008.

A judge ruled to combine the murder and embezzlement charges in December of 2008.

Stay with KMPH and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story

TobyTiger

08-06-2009, 03:43 PM

HAWK MURDER TRIAL TO STAY IN KINGS COUNTY (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1582363.html)

Published online on Thursday, Aug. 06, 2009

The murder trial of David Hawk will remain in Kings County Superior Court, a judge ruled this morning.

Defense attorneys had sought a change of venue, contending that extensive pretrial publicity would prevent Hawk from getting an impartial jury and a fair trial. Visiting Judge Daniel E. Creed's ruling denied that request.

complete article at the link

debbie59

08-06-2009, 07:33 PM

Well I guess Mr. Hawk is not as high profile and Mr. Coleman and he thought. This case got nowhere near the attention that Lacy Peterson case did for instance. This was due in part, in my opinion, to the fact that the families early on and throughout avoided the media for the most part, limiting statements to the papers and TV.

The judge apparently did a thorough job screening the prospective jurors. It's good this case is finally moving forward. I read today on the Fresno Bee online site that Mr. Hawk pleaded guilty to one of the many felonies he's accused of..."falsifying a document" I believe it was. So that means he's a convicted felon already. I'm sure this is some kind of defense attorney "trick", but nonetheless, it's one strike against the accused. Hopefully, it's the first of many guilty's we'll hear against this criminal whose actions have harmed so many, particulary the mother of his children.

TobyTiger

08-07-2009, 08:21 PM

JURY SELECTED FOR HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10866605&nav=menu612_2_6)

Posted: Aug 7, 2009 10:40 AM PDT

A Kings County jury was selected Thursday for the murder trial of Dave Hawk.

Hawk is accused of murdering his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, and embezzling nearly $300,000 from his kids' trust funds.

The jury consists of 11 women and 1 man, with eight alternates who consist of 5 men and 3 women.

Opening statements begin Monday, with Debbie Hawk's parents scheduled as the first set of witnesses. Hawk's divorce attorney is also set to take the stand in the case.

On Thursday Judge Daniel Creed denied a change of venue request from Hawk's defense team, saying he felt Hawk would get a fair trial in Kings County. Hawk's defense had been concerned that media coverage in the case would make it impossible to an impartial jury.

"Dave was disappointed, frankly it wasn't completely unexpected by virtue of the fact we had gone 2 weeks into the process and invested a lot of time in the process," said Hawk's attorney, Mark Coleman.

Debbie Hawk disappeared from her Hanford home over three years ago. She was last seen on June 12th 2006. Her children found her home in disarray the following day, prompting police to launch an extensive 2-year search for her.

The Hawk's had been in the middle of a bitter custody battle at the time of her disappearance. Police searched Dave Hawk's home multiple times after Debbie's disappearance, and in October of 2006 named him the prime suspect in the case. Hawk was eventually arrested for the crime in May of 2008.

A judge ruled to combine the murder and embezzlement charges in December of 2008.

Leanne Weich

08-07-2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks for the update TT. I hope that this goes off without a hitch now and that he is convicted.

If he is convicted, maybe he'll pull a Hans Reiser and reveal her whereabouts for a sentencing consideration. I don't generally like deals being made but if it would result in Debbie being laid to rest, for her family's sake, I think it would be worth it.

TobyTiger

08-09-2009, 10:07 PM

TobyTiger

08-10-2009, 09:24 PM

OPENING ARGUMENTS TAKE PLACE IN DAVE HAWK TRIAL (http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/Opening-Arguments-Take-Place-in-Dave-Hawk-Trial/GyT0JUlgE0ayqiF27WxzXA.cspx)

updated 2:50pm

The trial of murder suspect Dave Hawk is under way in Hanford. Hawk is accused of murdering his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, who disappeared in 2006. Her body was never found.

The prosecution wrapped up opening arguments Monday morning, followed by the defense.

The case started with the Hawk's bitter divorce in 1998. Prosecutor Shane Burns told the eleven women and one man jury that Dave Hawk stole $338,000 from the trust fund that was set up for their three children and that he used the money for personal expenses as well as a Lexus for his girlfriend. Hawk reportedly told his girlfriend that “this would not be over until Debbie was dead.”

Debbie Hawk disappeared in June of 2006 from her Hanford home. Investigator found Debbie’s blood in the bedroom, kitchen and laundry room of her home. Her abandoned van was found in Fresno but her body has never been located.

In their opening arguments, the defense said that Hawk was in his own bed the morning Debbie disappeared and that there is no evidence that he tried to hide any of the money from their children’s trust fund, just that he was maintaining the household for the children.

The first witnesses to testify are scheduled to be Debbie Hawk's father and Dave Hawk's father, so they can sit through the rest of the trial and listen to the evidence unfold.

TobyTiger

08-10-2009, 09:27 PM

HAWK'S FATHER TESTIFIES ABOUT FUNDS (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1588897.html)

3:34 p.m.: Prosecutors in the Dave Hawk murder trial in Hanford called Hawk's father to the stand to testify about the purpose of trust funds set up for Dave Hawk's children.

Prosecutors contend David Hawk took more than $300,000 over a five-year period from his children’s trust funds. Prosecutors say Hawk’s ex-wife, Debbie, questioned him about the allegation and sought financial records before she disappeared.

Prosecutor Larry Crouch called Stan Hawk to the stand and tried to establish that the trust funds that Hawk and his wife set up for the children were for their college education. Stan Hawk said there were no restrictions on the funds.

Crouch then asked Stan Hawk whether the thank-you notes he received for his yearly contributions made any reference to funding their college. Stan Hawk said the cards could have made a reference, but he didn't recall.

"Those words don't ring a bell with me," Stan Hawk said.

He added that using the money for college education "certainly wasn't part of the requirement." He said the money could have been used for upkeep of Dave Hawk's household.

12:30 p.m.: David Hawk’s attorney today said evidence will show he was at home with his children when his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, disappeared and that there is no physical evidence that ties him to the murder.

In opening statements this morning, attorney Dennis Peterson said the prosecution is “going to build a bridge over a river of doubt.”

Peterson said Hawk, as a trustee of his children’s account, could use the money as he saw fit to provide for his household and benefit the children. Peterson pointed out that Hawk made no effort to hide his withdrawals from the accounts, which were set up by his parents, Stan and Lois Hawk.

Peterson concedes that the money from the trust fund was co-mingled with money from another family account, which was inappropriate.

“The problem here is the prosecution had blinders and only looked at David Hawk,” Peterson said.

Stan Hawk is expected to testify this afternoon.

more at the link

debbie59

08-11-2009, 03:34 PM

When I saw one of Dave Hawk's defense attorneys, Dennis Peterson, on TV yesterday saying that law enforcement focused only on Dave Hawk as a suspect in Debbie's case, I was waiting for his nose to grow like Pinnochio. He knows good and well that the cops looked at men Debbie had dated throughout the years she and Dave were divorced. Even the news media mentioned at one point the doctor she dated for a while. They also interviewed and investigated men she'd had nothing more than a cup of coffee with or gone out with on a casual date. I know this for a fact as I myself directed them toward one of these individuals.

After looking under every rock, every business associate anyone could think of, any date she ever had, and any potential enemy, those folks were eliminated as suspects, whereas Dave Hawk was not. Hence, he was arrested and is now being tried.

As for the trust funds...they were set up as college funds no matter what old man Hawk says now. His other two sons have the same for their kids and they have not raided the money to buys their girlfriends cars and take them on trips to Hawaii. Also, if the trustee on a trust fund uses the money to support his children, he has to show a paper trail for such use, not to mention pay taxes on it. Mr. Peterson and Mr. Coleman and both Mr. Hawks are well aware of this. Liars, every last one of them.

DeeN

08-11-2009, 04:51 PM

However, defense lawyers really make my skin crawl. I understand they're supposed to get a fair trial for their client(s), but when they out and out lie as most of the ones I watch on case coverage here-it makes me want to deck one of them.
I cannot even imagine what it would be like to be a relative or a friend of a victim and listen to some defense attorney spewing forth a ton of lies. I honestly think I'd have to take a sedative so I wouldn't go nuts on one of them.
LOL- I got thrown out of a civil court once- when the attorney was lying and I was on a sedative! This was not a criminal case and I got that pizzed. Can't even imagine for violent crime cases.

Anyway- I've not seen a picture of Debbie. Is there a link to one?
TIA
Dee

TobyTiger

08-11-2009, 09:06 PM

HAWK TRIAL FOCUSES ON TESTIMONY OF EX-GIRLFRIEND (http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/Hawk-Trial-Focuses-on-Testimony-of-Ex-Girlfriend/OJk6LumU50a5xpKXv2kJhg.cspx)

Last Update: 1:28 pm

The second day of testimony in the Dave Hawk trial focused on Hawk’s ex-girlfriend, Mary Royer. Prosecutors are focused on the couple’s finances when they lived together.

The Lemoore man is on trial for the murder of his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk, who disappeared from her Hanford home in 2006.

Dave Hawk’s ex-girlfriend, Mary Royer took the witness stand Tuesday morning, testifying primarily about her relationship with Dave Hawk and their finances as a couple. Royer lived with Hawk for four years from October 2001 to November 2005. Royer met Hawk when she worked at the daycare center his children attended.

Royer testified that during the time she lived with Hawk, he was only employed for five months. She said Hawk told her he lived off his investments. They shared his home in Lemoore and a joint checking account.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-11-2009, 09:09 PM

TobyTiger

08-12-2009, 09:24 PM

DAY THREE OF THE DAVE HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6961665)

Hanford, CA (KFSN) -- Testimony continues in the trial of a South Valley man accused of killing his ex-wife.

Tuesday, Dave Hawk's ex-girlfriend, Mary Royer spent the last hour on the witness stand crying, saying she was scared when investigators threatened to charge her as an accessory to Debbie Hawk's murder.

Debbie Hawk vanished June 2006. Royer told prosecutors Dave Hawk said-- quote "This isn't going to end till she's dead" after he was served a subpoena to appear in court for a custody hearing over the Hawk's children.

Royer also seemed to disagree with things she said in her interviews with police in 2006.

In the afternoon, a number of witnesses took the stand, testifying briefly about the financial crimes Dave Hawk is charged with. A loan consultant said Dave Hawk falsely filled out a loan form to refinance his mortgage. In it, he listed his children as employees of a business he claimed he owned.

more at the link

Leanne Weich

08-12-2009, 10:28 PM

DeeN

08-13-2009, 01:38 PM

PHOTO AT THIS LINK (http://fresnobeehive.com/news/debbie%20hawk.JPG)

I wanted to see a photo of Debbie Hawk-but this link is not working.

Any others?

TIA

TobyTiger

08-13-2009, 10:28 PM

BLOOD FROM DEBBIE HAWK HOME SHOWN (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1596662.html)

1 p.m.: HANFORD -- The prosecution in the Dave Hawk murder trial today showed jurors nearly 100 photographs of blood drops, stains and smears that police took in Debbie Hawk's Hanford home hours after she was reported missing on June 13, 2006.

The photographs were taken in her bedroom, a hallway, dining area, laundry area and garage, retired officer Mark Dillon testified.

Dillon said he took the photographs late on June 13 and into the early hours of June 14.

"Looks like something was dragged through there," Dillon said in reference to the smear marks on the laundry room tile floor and the garage floor.

Mark Coleman, Hawk's attorney, said his client is glad to get to the murder testimony of the trial, because there is no physical evidence that Hawk killed his ex-wife. "If there was a murder, Dave did not do it," Coleman said.

Also today, one of the jurors was dismissed after she called in sick. She was replaced by a male alternate juror.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-13-2009, 10:31 PM

I wanted to see a photo of Debbie Hawk-but this link is not working.

Any others?

TIA

My apologies. It worked for me...

Maybe try using Google Images and type in her name. Or some of our local news sites have an occasional photo.

TobyTiger

08-13-2009, 10:32 PM

DAVE HAWK'S CHILDREN TAKE THE STAND (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6964424)

Hanford, CA (KFSN) -- The children of Dave and Debbie Hawk took the witness stand Thursday, in the South Valley murder trial. They testified about what they saw and heard just days after their mother disappeared.

Watch video above for more ..

more news story and video at the link

TobyTiger

08-13-2009, 10:34 PM

Thanks for the updates TT. I hope they've got something more than we know about as far as evidence he killed Debbie is concerned. I wonder how much longer it's going to take to get past the financial aspect.

Check today's updates I posted...

There is a good circumstantial case against him.

My opinion.

Leanne Weich

08-13-2009, 10:46 PM

Check today's updates I posted...

There is a good circumstantial case against him.

My opinion.

Thanks TT and I agree that it is starting to look good. I'd be happier if there was evidence he'd been seen at or near Debbie's home though. You know how some jurors are ... they've literally got to see a video to convict. Let's just hope they've got sensible jurors for this one.

Jester

08-14-2009, 01:13 AM

I wanted to see a photo of Debbie Hawk-but this link is not working.

Any others?

TIA

Try this link ... click on LAUNCH ...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18561784/

Jester

08-14-2009, 03:03 AM

"Debbie’s friend Teresa Voyles feared the worst.

Teresa Voyles, friend: I knew something horrible must have happened because there’s no way she would not pick up her kids.

Two days after her disappearance, police discovered Debbie’s van 40 miles away, in southwest Fresno. There was blood inside, and the license plates had been replaced with stolen ones."

(same link as above)

That's an odd thing to do - change license plates. Was the vehicle unlocked, waiting to be stolen? ... parked 31 or 40 miles away. I wonder if the plates were stolen before or after the disappearance.

Did someone take her vehicle, put stolen plates on it, then randomly kidnap/kill? No. Someone took her car, took her, changed plates, and ditched the car 30-40 miles away; attempted to conceal the crime. How many bad guys do that when there isn't even a body, rape, or theft? Nothing except a lot of blood, and evidence of the purchase of a tazer in the month before she "disappeared" forever.

TobyTiger

08-15-2009, 02:08 PM

WEEK ONE OF DAVE HAWK TRIAL WRAPS (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10934875&nav=menu612_2_7)

Lawyers for Dave Hawk said they believe Conrad is "exaggerating" the negative memories he shared about his father.

19-year-old Conrad Hawk spent most of the day Friday testifying in his father's trial at King's County superior court. Under questioning from prosecutor Shane Burns, Hawk told jurors that his relationship with his mother was very close.

He said his father harbored what he called "extreme hatred" for his mother, Debbie Hawk. Conrad testified that his dad routinely had bad things to say about his mom, including quote:

"She stole from me."

"She's trying to take my home from me."

And, "she's done her damage."

Conrad also told jurors about his own strained relationship with his father including a Christmas-time 2005 confrontation where he said his father screamed at him... "your a horrible, evil person, like your mother"

Defense lawyers looked to show that Conrad unfairly suspected his dad from the beginning.

"If Conrad was a jury of one, he'd probably find his father guilty in this particular case," said Dennis Peterson, Hawks attorney.

Conrad also said that he saw his father and girlfriend Mary Royer toast one another with wine glasses the night after Debbie went missing.

Earlier, Dave Hawk's 17-year-old daughter Chelsa testified she was at her dad's home, she never heard her dad leave the house and drive away, and she's a light sleeper.

She also said there was nothing out of the ordinary about his behavior the evening after her mom went missing.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-15-2009, 02:10 PM

Thanks TT and I agree that it is starting to look good. I'd be happier if there was evidence he'd been seen at or near Debbie's home though. You know how some jurors are ... they've literally got to see a video to convict. Let's just hope they've got sensible jurors for this one.

Agree...some may still find doubt that HE actually is responsible for the crime. The prosecution is still presenting their case, however, so stay tuned!

dref99

08-16-2009, 10:38 PM

Agree...some may still find doubt that HE actually is responsible for the crime. The prosecution is still presenting their case, however, so stay tuned!

Many thanks for all the updates TT

TobyTiger

08-17-2009, 10:36 PM

Many thanks for all the updates TT

My pleasure!

TobyTiger

08-17-2009, 10:38 PM

INVESTIGATOR SAYS HAWK HOUSE "TOO NEAT" TO HAVE BEEN BURGLARIZED (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10942653&nav=menu612_2_14)

The second week of the Dave Hawk murder trial continued in Kings County Monday morning.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk in 2006, and taking money from their kids' trust funds.

On Monday, Hanford Police Detective Gabe Jimenez began the day's testimony describing the scene he found inside Debbie Hawk's Hanford home on Cinnamon Drive.

Jimenez testified that Hawk's house was not indicative of a typical burglary, because no jewels or electronics were taken from the home despite being in plain sight. Jimenez said that the home was "too neat" and not ransacked like typical burglaries.

Dave Hawk's lawyer Mark Coleman questioned Jimenez over if it was possible that a Meth Addict could have broken into the home or if it could have been a "hot prowl" or sexual assault type break-in.

However Jimenez said said that if it was a hot prowl, it typically very unusual for suspects to stick around once they know someone is home.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-17-2009, 10:40 PM

POLICE INVESTIGATOR TESTIFIES IN HAWK TRIAL (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1601825.html)

3:12 p.m.: HANFORD - A Hanford police investigator testified this afternoon in Kings County Superior Court that no fingerprints or DNA matching Dave Hawk were found at his ex-wife's home or in her van.

Officer Daren Matteson said he also examined a stun gun that Dave Hawk had purchased and that was found in his Lemoore home. But Matteson said he could not determine whether the stun gun had ever been used.

Prosecutors have said that Hawk acquired the stun gun in his plot to murder Debbie Hawk, whose body has never been found.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-18-2009, 07:55 PM

HAWK'S FORMER BEST FRIEND TESTIFIES AT MURDER TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10949920&nav=menu612_2_3)

Keith Marshall took the stand Tuesday in the murder trial of former best friend Dave Hawk.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk in 2006, and taking money from their kids' trust funds.

On the stand Keith Marshall testified that he learned about Debbie's disappearance not through Dave, but rather through another friend.

His testimony focused largely on the wire tap conversation he recorded for law enforcement, just weeks after Debbie disappeared.

Defense lawyers played a recording of those tapes in court, which show Dave denying having any connection to the crime:

Recording:
Dave Hawk: "I didn't do it"
Keith Marshall: "What do you think happened"
Dave Hawk: "I think she pissed somebody off, she's a mean person"

Later in the day Marshall testified that Dave later began to become weary of all the questions, "I think Dave began to suspect I was wearing a wire," Marshall said.

Following Marshall's testimony, Debbie Hawk's former boss, Trish Estabrook, took the stand. Estabrook told the jury that in her 11 and a half years at her job, she's never had a pharmaceutical rep. burglarized or had their car broken into. Her testimony comes one day after defense attorneys argued that Hawk could have fallen victim to Methamphetamine addicts who may have been after her drugs.

More friends of both Debbie and Dave are still expected to testify. Testimony could wrap up as early as Tuesday.

more at the link

debbie59

08-19-2009, 08:07 PM

I hope the jurors in this case see that the circumstances involved point directly and repeatedly at Dave Hawk. Hawk's 17 year old daughter was and remains his favorite child and she has commented that even though she knows her father "did bad things", she still wants him out of jail. She is lost somewhere between denial and fear of losing yet another parent. It's rather pathetic.

It's unfortunate that Dave Hawk's son didn't get the opportunity to tell the jury how his father abused him and that he was removed by Child Protective Services and placed in foster care for his own safety. It's idiotic to me that the defendant's pattern of abuse is inadmissable in this case. The rules of law are at times baffling and frustrating, protecting not so much the innocent but the guilty.

Today in court Debbie Hawk's sister alluded to the fact that Debbie "lived in fear"...of course the defense objected. Again something about it being conjecture on the part of the witness. She did live in fear of her ex. She stated as much to many of her friends and family members over a period of years.

Hawk is at best a thief: embezzlement, forgery, and several other felonies and at worst a murderer of the mother of his children. Debbie Hawk was not "a mean person" as he alleges. She was a lovely lady, a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. The defense will likely try to attack her character and continue to bald face lie to the court and to the media. I don't know how those people sleep at night after violating the 8th Commandment on a daily basis.

My hope and prayer remains that this jury have the clarity of mind to recognize the circumstantial series of events that gave Dave Hawk motive, means and opportunity to kill Debbie after carefully plotting the crime so as to dispose of her remains in such a way as she would never be found. People who think that only DNA and physical evidence convict people watch way too much "CSI" on TV. The reality is, many cases are circumsatntial and convictions can be made w/such evidence. Let's hope that is true in this case.

TobyTiger

08-19-2009, 10:28 PM

PROSECUTION WRAPS UP TESTIMONY IN HAWK TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10956969&nav=menu612_2_1)

The prosecution called its last witness on Wednesday in the murder trial of Dave Hawk, as it wrapped up testimony.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk in 2006, and taking money from their kids' trust funds.

On Wednesday Debbie's sister, Diane Triantes, took the stand testifying that Debbie spent the last year of her life a bit anxious and with an element of fear. Triantes claimed that Debbie was sad her marriage to Dave didn't work out, and was hoping to still meet someone nice.

Also on the stand was fingerprint expert, Richard Kinney, who testified that Dave Hawk's fingerprints were never found at Debbie's house or in her car.

On Thursday, the defense will present its side of the case, which is expected to take a few days.

more at the link

Leanne Weich

08-20-2009, 11:30 AM

debbie59

08-20-2009, 11:54 AM

I hope they at least nail Hawk on the embezzlement, tax evasion and other financial felonies. I believe he killed Debbie, but the case itself is thin and circumstantial and it's unlikely that 12 people will convict on the murder. What a shame.

I don't understand why there are so many things the prosecution cannot ask a witness...I know Debbie's friends heard her say on more than one ocassion that she was afraid of Dave, yet, the prosecution never asked that of them. I guess my understanding of the law is minimal, but it just seems to me that her expressions of fear are rather important.

TobyTiger

08-20-2009, 08:46 PM

DEFENSE BEGINS CASE IN DAVE HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/53871522.html)

Defense attorneys for Dave Hawk started calling their witnesses to the stand Thursday.

The defendant is accused of the 2006 murder of his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk in her Hanford home.

He's also accused of embezzling about three hundred thousand dollars from his children's trust funds.

Expert witnesses today included forensics accountant who told the court that from 2001 to 2005, Dave Hawk used the money from the trust accounts to care for his children, which the witness said was in compliance with the broad language of the trust agreement.

The State claims Debbie Hawk learned that her ex-husband was taking money from the accounts, providing a motive for him to kill her.

Testimony will continue Monday morning.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-20-2009, 08:49 PM

I'm not feeling too optimistic about a conviction in this one - was so hoping that the prosecution had a bit more. I think there will be at least one juror who will vote n/g. I hope I'm wrong because I do believe he killed Debbie.

It is a purely circumstantial case...without a body. The jury will have to rely on the totality of the evidence and the probability that he is responsible for her death. Agree...it may be a stretch. Hopefully not.

TobyTiger

08-20-2009, 08:52 PM

WITNESS: HAWK TRUSTS 'POORLY MANAGED' (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1607942.html)

3:19 p.m.: HANFORD -- For the second time today, the judge in Dave Hawk's murder trial chastised a defense witness.

The witness, Jim Braun, a certified public accountant, became exasperated at repeatedly answering that Hawk was responsible for improperly managing his children's trust funds under questioning by prosecutor Larry Crouch.

Voices were raised again during an exchange between Crouch and Braun before Visiting Judge Daniel Creed intervened and told Braun, "Your opinion isn't being asked. So please answer the question."

Crouch had asked Braun if Hawk had breached his responsibility as a trustee of the children's trust accounts, to which Braun replied, "Yes."

Braun had said earlier that Hawk's mismanagement of the trust funds was because he was naive. When Crouch asked if all of Hawk's alleged criminal activities related to the trust funds were due to his naïveté, Braun said, "We have a lot of improper acts. I would leave it to the jury to decide."

But Braun said Hawk did not attempt to conceal his transactions with the trust funds.

12:45 p.m.: HANFORD -- A defense witness testified today in Dave Hawk's murder trial that Hawk was obligated to not commingle his children's trust funds with other bank accounts and to keep records of how money from the trust funds was spent.

However, Jim Braun, a certified public accountant, testified during a testy exchange with prosecutor Larry Crouch that he believes Hawk was naive about managing the trust fund money.

Braun conceded that the trust funds were "poorly managed."

Testimony heated up when Crouch asked Braun if Hawk's purchase of a $26,000 Lexus for his former live-in girlfriend, Mary Royer, was an appropriate use of the trust funds.

The car purchase could be, Braun said, because "vehicles are often used to transport family members around."

At one point during Braun's testimony, Visiting Judge Daniel E. Creed admonished him for a surly comment he had made earlier to Crouch, saying, "The attorney will ask questions. You'll answer questions. Any editorial comments will be stricken from the record."

more at the link

debbie59

08-24-2009, 04:38 PM

The defense rested this morning in the Dave Hawk murder trial. Circumstantial case...yes. Smoking gun...no. All circumstantial evidence including motive, means and opportunity point to one person...Dave Hawk.
Praying for a conviction.

Leanne Weich

08-24-2009, 06:00 PM

TobyTiger

08-24-2009, 07:46 PM

DEFENSE RESTS IN HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10980914)

Kings County, CA- Testimony wrapped on Monday in the murder trial of Lemoore man Dave Hawk.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk in 2006, and taking money from their kids' trust funds.

On Monday,Bill Lehman , a former investigator for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, took the stand testifying about the mistakes he found that investigators made in the case. According to Lehman, investigators did not collect any hair or fiber evidence from the crime scene, leaving no evidence linking Dave Hawk to the crime.

The prosecution inquired whether it was possible for the suspect to have cleaned up the evidence, which Lehman said was possible. However the Hawk's defense countered by saying "it's all possibilities at this point."

Following Lehman's testimony, the defense rested their case. Closing arguments are now expected to begin Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.

more at the link

debbie59

08-25-2009, 11:12 AM

Lehman also said, when questioned by prosecutor Shane Burns, that he could not name to ANY other suspect aside from Dave Hawk. It was clearly a pre-meditated case that went awry because the victim awoke and screamed. However, it was otherwise well planned and the killer obviously wore gloves and other protective clothing so as NOT to leave DNA behind. Usually no body = no DNA. Lehman said as much.

If there was a smoking gun and DNA in every case like on TV, there would be no need for so many jury trials. The fact is, there is often no such evidence. The jury will be instructed and hopefully will convict based on a strong circumstantial murder case. We should know in a few days.

TobyTiger

08-25-2009, 09:50 PM

CLOSING ARGUMENTS BEGIN IN HAWK TRIAL (http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10988113&nav=menu612_2_7)

Kings County, CA-Closing statements began on Tuesday in the murder trial of Lemoore man Dave Hawk.

Hawk has pleaded not guilty to murdering his ex-wife Debbie Hawk in 2006, and taking money from their kids' trust funds.

Tuesday began with a change-up in the jury pool. One of the male jurors fell and hit his head, prompting the judge to replace him with another male juror.

The prosecution then began their closing arguments, which lasted around an hour and twenty minutes. Prosecutor Larry Crouch argued that Dave Hawk was stealing from his children's trust fund, and that it was Debbie's goal to get a hearing and court date which could bring the issue to light.

Crouch told jurors that Debbie never got that hearing, and pleaded with jurors to make this trial her hearing.

Crouch went on to call Dave Hawk a thief on many occasions saying that "evil intervened, evil triumphed over the right, honest person."

The defense was set to begin their closing statements later in the day.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-25-2009, 09:53 PM

HAWK DEFENSE SAYS MURDER MOTIVE INVALID (http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1615196.html)

3:16 p.m.: HANFORD - Dave Hawk's attorney Mark Coleman today told jurors that Hawk's supposed motive that he killed his ex-wife because she might have exposed his alleged misuse of trust funds was not valid, because his use of the trust funds was already public record.

Coleman said that Debbie Hawk's attorney, Kim Aguirre, had filed public documents questioning Dave Hawk's use of the trust money about a month before Debbie Hawk went missing.

"I think it's unreasonable to assume that Dave would gain anything by killing Debbie," Coleman said.

Coleman also reiterated that no DNA or fingerprints belonging to Dave Hawk were found in Debbie Hawk's home or van.

He also said that Dave Hawk's daughter Chelsa and son Conrad both testified that Hawk was at his Lemoore home the night Debbie Hawk was last seen.

Police focused on Dave Hawk as a suspect early in their investigation and essentially made him their target, Coleman said.

Their thoughts were, "since we haven't found anybody else who did it, it must be Dave Hawk," he said. Coleman said Hawk didn't have to prove he wasn't at the crime scene, but prosecutors have to prove that he was - and they haven't.

Coleman said investigators did not follow through on many angles, including fingerprints on trust statements that were found scattered in Debbie Hawk's home after she disappeared, nor did they look at her credit card purchases to see where she was in the hours and days before her disappearance.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-26-2009, 10:26 PM

JURY DELIBERATING IN HAWK MURDER TRIAL (http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/55136742.html)

Story Published: Aug 26, 2009 at 5:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2009 at 5:39 PM EDT

A panel of 10 women and two men began deliberating the fate of Dave Hawk, at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. They are considering 12 allegations in all. They are as follows:

Count 1: failure to file an income tax return for 2001
Count 2: failure to file an income tax return for 2002
Count 3: failure to file an income tax return for 2003
Count 4: failure to file an income tax return for 2004
Count 5: tax evasion
Count 6: embezzlement of child 1
Count 7: embezzlement of child 2
Count 8: embezzlement of child 3
Count 9: loan fraud (Dave Hawk has already pleaded guilty to this count)
Count 10: perjury
Count 11: perjury

Complaint 2:
Count 1: murder (jurors have the option of finding him not guilty on this count, or guilty of first or second degree murder).
Enhancement 1: was murder committed for financial gain?

Dave Hawk faces anywhere from probation to 10 years and eight months for the financial crimes, if convicted.

The second degree murder charges carries a minimum 15-year prison term. If convicted of first degree murder, he would be sentenced to 25-to-life. If the enhancement is also found to be true, he would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

more at the link

dref99

08-27-2009, 04:12 AM

TT

many thanks for the updates - it seems no verdict Wednesday

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6982751

dref99

08-28-2009, 02:45 AM

Jury deliberations - day 2

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6985808

Shameonme

08-28-2009, 03:02 PM

Jury back guilty on all counts

Shameonme

08-28-2009, 03:06 PM

Judge polls jury they all say this is their verdict. He can now or will be given life w/o.

http://www.ksee24.com/

TobyTiger

08-28-2009, 04:37 PM

DAVE HAWK FOUND GUILTY IN MURDER OF EX-WIFE (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6987770)

Hanford, CA (KFSN) -- A Jury found Dave Hawk guilty of killing his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk disappeared three years ago from her home in Hanford her body has never been found.

The jury also found Hawk guilty in nine other counts which includes five counts of tax evasion, three counts of embezzlement, and one count of perjury.

Video and more at the link

Leanne Weich

08-28-2009, 07:23 PM

dref99

08-28-2009, 08:00 PM

Jury back guilty on all counts

I didn't really expect this - they must have listened to the explanations about circumstantial evidence. Looking at the film prior to the verdict announcement, it seems Dave hawk was not expecting this either.

jmo

TobyTiger

08-28-2009, 09:16 PM

OMG, I'm so happy. I really didn't think they'd render a guilty verdict on the murder. I feel so bad for Debbie's daughter but am happy for everyone else concerned. I bet lil Dave is not feeling so smug right now.

You are correct...he was NOT expecting the murder conviction.

The children have lost both parents. The righteous thing for him would be to divulge where her remains are so that she could have a proper burial.

dref99

08-28-2009, 09:52 PM

You are correct...he was NOT expecting the murder conviction.

The children have lost both parents. The righteous thing for him would be to divulge where her remains are so that she could have a proper burial.

Hi TT

Many thanks for all your updates - I do believe some people convince themselves as to the truth of their lies. I doubt they could live with themselves if they did not. It would seem Dave has convinced himself that anything that happened to his wife could not possibly be his fault.

We seem to have watched children in court, a number of times (Darren Mack, Mark Jensen cases come to mind) who cannot accept the reality that is their remaining parent. They become the victims with their mothers (or step mothers) - hard to imagine how they cope.

jmo

TobyTiger

08-28-2009, 10:44 PM

Hi TT

Many thanks for all your updates - I do believe some people convince themselves as to the truth of their lies. I doubt they could live with themselves if they did not. It would seem Dave has convinced himself that anything that happened to his wife could not possibly be his fault.

We seem to have watched children in court, a number of times (Darren Mack, Mark Jensen cases come to mind) who cannot accept the reality that is their remaining parent. They become the victims with their mothers (or step mothers) - hard to imagine how they cope.

jmo
It has been my pleasure to provide the updates...

On to the next phase: sentencing. It should be interesting.

TobyTiger

08-28-2009, 10:47 PM

JURY IN DAVE HAWK MURDER TRIAL SPEAKS (http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/55911447.html)

A jury has found Dave Hawk guilty on all counts, including the murder of his ex-wife, Debbie Hawk.

For roughly 3 weeks, the group of 10 women, and 2 men listened to the case, but have not been able to share their thoughts, until now.

Shortly after the verdict was read, the jury's foreman spoke with KSEE 24 News about the case, and how they reached the verdict.

Video at the link.

TobyTiger

08-28-2009, 10:50 PM

DAVE HAWK TRIAL COMMUNITY REACTIONS (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6987779)

Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- Despite the jury's verdict there are some who have questions about the verdict, and some who applaud it.

The conviction of course is the talk of the town. It's not hard to find opinions, and despite the jury's verdict there are some who have questions about the verdict, and some who applaud it.

Karen Timmerman said: "Victory. It's a good thing."

Karen Timmerman of Hanford had no doubt's about Dave Hawk's guilt: "No. No." She thought Hawk just looked guilty.

Video and more at the link.

Shameonme

08-29-2009, 04:35 AM

I didn't really expect this - they must have listened to the explanations about circumstantial evidence. Looking at the film prior to the verdict announcement, it seems Dave hawk was not expecting this either.

jmo

There's a lot of folks in Kings County that knew he killed or had his wife killed. My mother lives up there and she been waiting for this day for a long time. That is one reason he fought so hard to have his trial moved. I really doubt he would have been found guilty if they had moved it out of the central valley. I myself feel the right verdict was reached I mean who else would want this woman killed.

TobyTiger

08-29-2009, 05:43 PM

There's a lot of folks in Kings County that knew he killed or had his wife killed. My mother lives up there and she been waiting for this day for a long time. That is one reason he fought so hard to have his trial moved. I really doubt he would have been found guilty if they had moved it out of the central valley. I myself feel the right verdict was reached I mean who else would want this woman killed.

Good possibility he had an accomplice at least to dispose of Debbie's vehicle here in Fresno Co.

Defense intends to appeal this conviction...whether it is overturned will be another matter. If upheld, it is a case to be cited in future trials where the victim's body has not been recovered.

My opinion.

Leanne Weich

08-29-2009, 09:13 PM

Any chance he'll pull a Hans Reiser and divulge the whereabouts of Debbie's body for a lesser sentence?

Shameonme

08-30-2009, 11:54 AM

Good possibility he had an accomplice at least to dispose of Debbie's vehicle here in Fresno Co.

Defense intends to appeal this conviction...whether it is overturned will be another matter. If upheld, it is a case to be cited in future trials where the victim's body has not been recovered.

My opinion.

Toby do you know anything about a person of interest in the murder of Debbie being killed by Fresno PD. I remember something my mother told me about it. She always believed that he was the one that either killed Debbie or helped remove her body. I have tried to google what I thought might come up but no luck.

TobyTiger

08-30-2009, 04:30 PM

FRIEND WILL CONTINUE SEARCH FOR DEBBIE (http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1620296.html)

Sandra Lackey always promised to seek justice for her close friend, Debbie Hawk.

Hawk, a 46-year-old mother and pharmaceutical saleswoman vanished from her Hanford home in June 2006. She left behind blood, a ransacked house and a consuming mystery.

Friday, a jury of 10 women and two men solved part of the mystery -- and delivered on Lackey's promise -- by convicting Hawk's ex-husband, Dave, of first-degree murder in a Kings County courtroom.

For Lackey -- who attended each day of the two-week trial -- it was the only logical outcome. She said: "I would have been more surprised if they had not come back with a conviction."

The jury's decision, on the third day of deliberation, evoked both elation and disappointment. The case -- and the ongoing puzzle of Hawk's whereabouts -- has mesmerized the community for three years.

"I was pleased with what the jury did," Ione Powell said in Hanford on Saturday. "From the beginning I thought he'd done it, because of the money issues."

During the trial, prosecutors contended that Hawk, 51, killed his ex-wife because she questioned his use of their children's trust funds. Investigators found Debbie Hawk's blood in her home; several neighbors said they heard screams the day she disappeared.

But authorities had no physical evidence linking Dave Hawk to her disappearance, defense attorneys said. They also argued that he had an alibi, and that he didn't have a motive because the trust fund dispute already had become public.

Entertainer Rene Gomez of Visalia, who attended much of the trial, said he wondered about the lack of a body. But the crime "just seemed too personal," Gomez said. "Everything pointed to him [Hawk]."

Other reactions followed predictable lines for those closest to the case.

John Kenney, an elder at Lemoore Presbyterian Church, went to the trial to lend support to Dave Hawk.

"I'm very much disappointed, obviously," Kenney said. "I'm extremely sad for the girls that they're not going to have their father back for a while. I feel at least on the murder, he should have been found not guilty."

On Saturday, a woman who answered the phone at the home of Dave Hawk's parents said they had no comment.

The tone was different for those who supported the verdict. Hanford Police Chief Carlos Mestas said he was elated: "I know without a doubt that Mr. Hawk was responsible for Debbie's death."

Dave Hawk is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4.

more at the link

TobyTiger

08-30-2009, 04:39 PM

Toby do you know anything about a person of interest in the murder of Debbie being killed by Fresno PD. I remember something my mother told me about it. She always believed that he was the one that either killed Debbie or helped remove her body. I have tried to google what I thought might come up but no luck.

His name was Joaquin Figueroa. On 08/03/06, Figueroa was shot and killed by LE after shooting and severely wounding FPD Officer Brian Nieto during a traffic stop on 07/31/06.

An update, dated 08/29/06, stating Figueroa was not involved in Debbie's disappearance, is at this link:

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-150470869/fresno-link-hawk-fizzles.html

Shameonme

08-31-2009, 08:05 AM

His name was Joaquin Figueroa. On 08/03/06, Figueroa was shot and killed by LE after shooting and severely wounding FPD Officer Brian Nieto during a traffic stop on 07/31/06.

An update, dated 08/29/06, stating Figueroa was not involved in Debbie's disappearance, is at this link:

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-150470869/fresno-link-hawk-fizzles.html

Thanks you for the reply and info. Now it's coming back, did the officer that was shot Brian Nieto make a full recovery. We thought that's why he shot the officer because he was running from the Hanford Police to advoid being questioned.

debbie59

08-31-2009, 11:57 AM

As someone close to Debbie, I am relieved that finally she can rest in peace. The jury obviously paid attention and listened to jury instructions re: circumstantial evidence and thus convicted him of the murder.

Knowing Dave, I seriously doubt he would ever pull a Hans Reiser and reveal where Debbie's body is. In his sociopathic mind, he has justified his actions and will rot in prison before he'd ever admit anything. For the family, particularly the children's sake, I wish he would reveal where her remains are, but in my humble opinion, that will not happen.

The whiners and sore losers are rampant on the local blogs about how the trial should have had a change of venue. It should be noted that defense counsel failed to conduct and produce surveys when the made the COV request to show that a fair trial could not be had in Kings County. Also, their defense was disjointed. They appeared over confident...sure that no jury would convict w/o a body. Well, they were wrong. Sure, they will appeal. Coleman and Peterson, the Dream Team, can't wait to get their hands on what's left of Stan Hawk's money. Of course, there has to be a basis for an appeal...such as jury tampering or judicial error and I don't think either of those apply. Being a sore loser is not grounds for an appeal.

TobyTiger

08-31-2009, 08:44 PM

Thanks you for the reply and info. Now it's coming back, did the officer that was shot Brian Nieto make a full recovery. We thought that's why he shot the officer because he was running from the Hanford Police to advoid being questioned.

Brian is doing OK...thanks for asking! He retired from the FPD, however he continues to participate in community and charitible events.

Figueroa was already a convicted car thief when he shot Officer Nieto and known associates were all career criminals. Unlikely being a POI in Debbie's murder played any part in the attempted murder of Officer Nieto.

My opinion.

trucrime

09-03-2009, 11:27 PM

Im overjoyed at the guilty verdict. I wish all the best to her friends and family. I hope some day Debbie will be recovered. RIP

Leanne Weich

09-08-2009, 06:24 PM

My faith in the justice system has been restored with this verdict and with Sam Parker's guilty verdict. These two cases worried me. I just wish the DA in Wake County would now proceed against Jason Young. IMO they have a far better case against him than either the Hawk or Parker cases.

debbie59

09-18-2009, 04:37 PM

Maybe juries are finally getting tired of these guys who just off their wives and girlfriends whenever things don't go their way. This week a graduate student at UC Irvine, a Naval Academy graduate, shot his ex-wife in cold blood in broad daylight when she came to pick up their son. He was apparently unhappy because the court ordered him to pay increased child support.

There were eye witnesses and the killer is in jail and charged. Hope a jury puts him away for good along with these other creeps like Hawk, Scott Peterson, Hans Rieser, etc.

debbie59

12-01-2009, 04:01 PM

The sentencing of Dave Hawk is scheduled for this Fri. Dec. 4th at 10:15 a.m. in Kings Co. Court. It will be interesting to hear the victim's family/friends give their statements. I hope the court throws the book at him and he rots in prison hell for the rest of his life.

Amy

12-01-2009, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the info. Will be looking for the results--hope he can get LWOP @ the least.

debbie59

12-07-2009, 06:10 PM

The sentencing of Dave Hawk for the murder of Debbie Hawk resulted in life without parole plus 9 years for the financial crimes, consecutive sentences. They threw the book at him and that is only a fraction of what he deserves for what he did. Here's a link to some news coverage.
Hawk's son and Debbie's sister gave powerful statements. Debbie's father was very emotional giving his statement. One of Hawk's daughters remains supportive of him...she was his favorite all her life. Dave Hawk took Debbie and now he's taken their eldest daughter as well.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7152257

Amy

12-08-2009, 12:38 AM

Thanks for keeping us informed on the status. LWOP +9 is good. Other than Debbie being gone, the really sad part is the children, and the fact that they not only do not have their mother anymore, but they are @ odds about the verdict against their dad. I hope they can still be a family.

Leanne Weich

12-08-2009, 09:07 AM

I hope the SOB lives a long and unhealthy life. I also hope that Debbie's remains are recovered so she can be afforded the dignity she deserves by being laid to rest. I believe that will go a long way toward helping her family come to terms with what has happened and move on with their lives.

Marrigan

12-08-2009, 09:14 AM

Thank you for posting this info, debbie59. It's a shame that the children are divided. I found the defense attorney's statement particularly offensive, and IMO, an indication of David Hawk's arrogance, when he said that Hawks was "disappointed" that the impact statements were not about Debbie, but about "attacking" him. Oh brother. Guilty people always end up saying and doing things that expose their personalities, don't they?

Side note: This is the kind of info that I would prefer to see Galanos, JVM, NG and HLN cover on their shows. HLN repeats, ad nauseum, the same news over and over again all day, when they COULD BE devoting a mere 60 sec. spot to a case like this. The number of men murdering their wives (ex-wives and girl friends) is like an epidemic in this country.

Leanne Weich

12-08-2009, 09:18 AM

I'm sure Debbie was looking down on her son with tremendous pride as he delivered his VIS.

http://dig.abclocal.go.com/kfsn/PDF/hawk-statement.PDF

What an amazing son she brought into this world and nurtured into a remarkable man. He's going to make some young woman a good husband and, I'm sure, a doting dad one day.

debbie59

12-08-2009, 02:42 PM

[QUOTE=Marrigan;13699084] I found the defense attorney's statement particularly offensive, and IMO, an indication of David Hawk's arrogance, when he said that Hawks was "disappointed" that the impact statements were not about Debbie, but about "attacking" him. Oh brother. Guilty people always end up saying and doing things that expose their personalities, don't they?

QUOTE]

Typical of Mr. Hawk and his attorney, Mark Coleman. His eldest daughter echoed this. They all need to review the transcripts of the Victim Impact Statements and highlight how many times Debbie was mentioned, described and praised. The only person who only barely mentioned her was Ms. Chelsa Hawk, the daughter who blindly supports her criminal father. Nothing like throwing your own mother under the bus.