Ernie J. Hawkins, a 42-year-old White male, was found in the parking lot of the Thorntons gas station on Cane Run Road in Louisville with a gunshot wound to the head. Officers arrived at about 11:30 p.m. on March 13, 2017, and Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives searched a car and a truck in the lot, obtained witness statements and sought surveillance footage as part of the homicide unit’s investigation.

Investigators later concluded the shooting was likely a justified act and did not anticipate filing charges. The case was sent to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review; ultimately no arrests were made and no suspects were publicly identified or sought. The Thorntons business was not connected to the shooting. Hawkins was a father, a son and the youngest of ten children; his family described him as a good man who helped others.

Did anyone in the Louisville area see activity near that Thorntons on the night of March 13, 2017, or have information about the vehicles searched at the scene?