18-Year-Old Accused of Killing Man Over a Phone: Bond Set at $1 Million Dollars
In a shocking turn of events, 18-year-old Money L. Baccus is currently being held on a staggering $1 million bond following her arrest for the murder of Shawn J. Hawkins Jr., 30. The incident took place on Wednesday morning in their shared residence on Second Street SW in Canton, Ohio, and it has left the community reeling, particularly due to the presence of three small children at the scene.
The charges against Baccus include murder, felonious assault, and domestic violence, all stemming from an argument that allegedly erupted over her phone. According to court documents, the dispute escalated rapidly, leading Baccus to threaten Hawkins with a firearm if he did not return her phone. Reports indicate that she retrieved a gun from her sister’s room before the tragic shooting occurred.
During a court hearing, Judge Kristen D. Guardado expressed her concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the incident occurring in the presence of children. “The fact that you would shoot someone in a home with children that you were supposed to be babysitting sitting next to you. It’s astounding to me,” the judge remarked. This statement underscores the complexity of the case, highlighting the potential long-term psychological effects on the young witnesses.
The prosecution, represented by Elise Hamilton from the Canton Prosecutor’s Office, argued for a high bond due to the severity of the charges and the fact that Baccus is not originally from the area. This detail raises questions about her ties to the community and the perceived risk of flight. Meanwhile, Baccus’s defense attorney, Anthony Palumbo, painted a contrasting picture of his client, describing her as a “young lady” with no prior juvenile or adult criminal record. He stressed that the allegations against her are still merely accusations at this stage, seeking to temper the public’s perception of Baccus until all facts are presented in court.
Adding to the complexity of the case, the relationship between Baccus and the victim, Hawkins, has been brought into question. Although the sister of Baccus identified Hawkins as her husband during a 911 call made shortly after the shooting, authorities clarified that the couple was not legally married. This relationship dynamic complicates the narrative surrounding the event, as it involves familial ties and emotional connections entangled with the alleged crime.
In a further twist, Baccus is also charged with felonious assault and domestic violence for reportedly shooting at her sister during the incident. As investigations continue, the court has imposed a no-contact order between Baccus and her sister while the case remains pending, emphasizing the need to safeguard the involved parties, especially the children who witnessed the incident.
Baccus is currently being held at the Stark County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again for a status hearing and pretrial conference on Thursday. The community watches closely as this tragic event unfolds, grappling with the implications of domestic violence and the impact of such incidents on families and children.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the often-hidden dangers of domestic disputes, particularly when firearms are involved. It raises critical questions about conflict resolution and the responsibilities of individuals in volatile situations. As the legal proceedings progress, the hope remains that justice will be served, not just for the victim and his family but also for the young defendant who now faces a future irrevocably altered by a moment of violence.
In a world where domestic disputes can escalate into tragic outcomes, the responsibility lies not only with individuals but also within communities to foster environments where communication and conflict resolution are prioritized over aggression and violence.
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