On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022, 30-year-old Donnell Henry Hawkins of La Plata was found near the intersection of Crain Highway and Port Tobacco Road with multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting occurred just after 4:00 p.m.; Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Family remembered him for a love of sports and dancing.

At least three witnesses provided statements describing the suspect. A La Plata Police Department officer located and arrested 26-year-old Cordell Earl Spicer on foot nearby; Spicer reportedly admitted to the officer that he had just shot someone. A 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene. The two men were known to each other, though the nature of their relationship was not disclosed.

Spicer was charged with first-degree murder and held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center while the investigation continued. Anyone who knew Hawkins or has information about what happened that afternoon is asked to come forward.