Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed - Episode 426: Web of Death: Facebook Live
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Title: Web of Death: Facebook Live
Host(s): Jillian Benzavale & Patrick Hines
Description: In this gripping bonus episode, Jillian and Patrick delve into the harrowing true crime case of Nikisha Hodges Hawkins. Blending detailed recounting with heartfelt commentary, they explore the events surrounding Nikisha's tragic death, the family's relentless pursuit of justice, and the pivotal role social media played in finally bringing the perpetrator to account.
1. Introduction to the Case
The episode opens with Jillian and Patrick introducing a bonus segment from their "Web of Death" series, focusing on Episode Five titled "Facebook Live." They set the stage by presenting the victim, Nikisha Hodges Hawkins, and her family, providing listeners with a personal connection to the story.
Notable Quote:
Patrick Hines [01:41]: "Welcome to a bonus episode, everyone. We promised, and here we are."
2. Family Background and Night of the Murder
Calvin Hawkins, Nikisha's father, is introduced as a devoted and emotionally expressive parent. The family, consisting of Nikisha, her mother Janice, and her brother Kenyatta, is portrayed as close-knit and loving.
On July 24, 2011, Nikisha attends a birthday party themed as a "bus stoplight" where tensions escalate, leading to gunfire.
Notable Quotes:
Kenyatta Hawkins [01:52]: "That night at that party. She left the house, never came back."
Calvin Hawkins [02:11]: "I just wanna protect my family. That's the only thing I ever wanted to do."
3. The Tragic Event
As the party deteriorates into chaos with fights breaking out, gunshots ring out, resulting in Nikisha being fatally shot. The immediate aftermath leaves the family devastated, with Calvin grappling with immense guilt for allowing Nikisha to attend the party.
Notable Quotes:
Kenyatta Hawkins [15:00]: "He is 13 years old and he recognizes one of the screams as his cousin. So he thinks his cousin has been shot."
Janice Hawkins [16:03]: "It was hard, but she says the trial was therapeutic."
4. Investigation Challenges
Despite having 150 witnesses, the investigation stalls as community members, many of whom are Black, distrust the police and fear retaliation. Witnesses either remain silent or recant their statements, leading to a cold case.
Notable Quotes:
Patrick Hines [22:31]: "A lot of these kids are black. So they're not going to trust the cops."
Jillian Benzavale [25:02]: "We're back to square one."
5. Calvin Hawkins' Advocacy via Facebook Live
Frustrated with the lack of progress, Calvin takes to Facebook Live to voice his frustrations and demand justice for his daughter. Initially unaware of the platform's potential, his raw and honest broadcasts begin to garner significant attention.
Notable Quotes:
Calvin Hawkins [34:05]: "I see a button that says live. And he clicks on it and he goes... I'm just doing it."
Patrick Hines [34:33]: "Calvin goes live outside the police department. He's like, these people won't help me, man."
6. Community Mobilization and Media Involvement
Calvin's persistent live streams attract thousands, including media attention. Reporter Jesse Schultz covers his story, amplifying public awareness and pressuring authorities to reopen the case. This surge in attention leads to the assignment of new detectives to the investigation.
Notable Quotes:
Jillian Benzavale [37:01]: "It's unbelievable. He just hit a button and spoke his truth."
Patrick Hines [38:00]: "Detectives Jillian with a J and Anna get to work."
7. Breakthrough and Legal Proceedings
New corroborating statements emerge, identifying Charles Guerin as the shooter. Despite initial setbacks, including a witness recanting their statement, detectives uncover critical evidence through overlooked photo booth pictures, leading to Guerin's conviction.
Notable Quotes:
Calvin Hawkins [39:30]: "And he did it out of fr and rage."
Jillian Benzavale [54:44]: "We got him."
8. Conclusion and Impact on the Family
With Guerin sentenced to 50 years and the appeal denied, the family begins to heal. Calvin reflects on his journey from anger to advocacy, finding solace in his community and the closure of the case. The episode highlights the power of persistence, community support, and the impact of social media in seeking justice.
Notable Quotes:
Patrick Hines [58:14]: "He spews his truth, and now here we are. If he made it happen, without him, we would not be here 100%."
Kenyatta Hawkins [57:56]: "He is able to step outside of himself and see what he did for Keisha and for our family."
9. Final Reflections
Jillian and Patrick wrap up the episode by commending Calvin's unwavering dedication and the family's resilience. They emphasize the importance of community support in solving cold cases and acknowledge the emotional toll such cases take on the families involved.
Notable Quote:
Jillian Benzavale [59:25]: "There's no closure, but they are so lucky that they all have each other."
Key Takeaways:
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Community and Persistence: Calvin Hawkins' use of Facebook Live illustrates how persistent advocacy can mobilize community support and draw media attention, crucial in reopening and solving cold cases.
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Challenges in Investigation: The episode underscores systemic issues like distrust in law enforcement and the difficulties in witness cooperation, highlighting broader societal challenges in genuine justice.
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Family Resilience: The unwavering support within Nikisha's family showcases the strength and resilience needed to navigate through immense grief and loss.
Overall Conclusion:
"Web of Death: Facebook Live" serves as a powerful narrative of loss, injustice, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Through detailed storytelling and emotional depth, True Crime Obsessed sheds light on the complexities of seeking justice in the digital age, celebrating the enduring spirit of a family determined to honor their loved one.
Notable Quotes Overview:
- Calvin Hawkins [02:11]: "I just wanna protect my family. That's the only thing I ever wanted to do."
- Kenyatta Hawkins [15:00]: "He is 13 years old and he recognizes one of the screams as his cousin..."
- Patrick Hines [22:31]: "A lot of these kids are black. So they're not going to trust the cops."
- Calvin Hawkins [34:05]: "I see a button that says live..."
- Jillian Benzavale [37:01]: "It's unbelievable. He just hit a button and spoke his truth."
- Calvin Hawkins [39:30]: "And he did it out of fr and rage."
- Patric Hines [58:14]: "He spews his truth, and now here we are..."
- Patrick Hines [58:38]: "This is it."
- Jillian Benzavale [59:25]: "There's no closure, but they are so lucky that they all have each other."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 426, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case, the family's journey, and the pivotal moments that led to justice for Nikisha Hodges Hawkins.