Pateresa Patty Lu Hawkins was a 77-year-old retired teacher and long-time War, West Virginia resident. Born January 1, 1943, she was the widow of Douglas Hawkins and described as a devoted mother of three and a well-loved teacher with a large personality.In the afternoon of Wednesday, May 27, 2020, officers from the War Police Department and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at her home. Patty was found unresponsive inside and was taken to Welch Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead from gun violence.

The investigation focused on her son, 46-year-old Pete Douglas Hawkins, who lived with her; he was arrested and charged with murder and held without bail at the Southwestern Regional Jail.The murder charge against Pete Douglas Hawkins was later dismissed without prejudice. No other arrests have been announced and the death remains unsolved.

If anyone knew Patty or has information about what happened, contact the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.