A deaf Indiana man was tragically killed in what his family claims was a violent road rage incident, leading to murder charges against two individuals, according to police.
On May 2, Indiana State Police arrested Andre Briski, 24, from Indianapolis, and Shawna Rowland, 23, from Greenwood, in connection with the May 1 shooting death of 35-year-old Ryan Hawkins. The arrests came after state police received multiple 911 calls about a potential shooting and a car swerving off I-65 northbound into a pond.
Responders arrived to find Hawkins lying unconscious in the grass, later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered that his Hyundai Elantra had plunged into a nearby pond and sank near where Hawkins was found. SCUBA divers from the Indiana State Police and Indiana Fire Department quickly arrived, searched the submerged vehicle, and confirmed that no one else was inside.
Hawkins’ family told WISH-TV that they believe the incident started with a “honking incident,” leading Hawkins to attempt to escape from the other vehicle, identified as a Ford Explorer. Witnesses reported that as Hawkins tried to speed away, the Ford Explorer pulled alongside his car, and someone inside began shooting.
Later that night, detectives located the Ford Explorer, which led them to Briski and Rowland, who are believed to be responsible for the shooting. Briski was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, Briski allegedly admitted to police that Hawkins was “brake-checking” him—abruptly cutting in front and then slamming on the brakes. “I’ll tell you right here, I did it,” Briski reportedly said, as per WRTV. “I didn’t mean to; I was afraid we were going to crash and die.”
It is currently unclear whether Briski and Rowland have secured legal representation.
Hawkins’ family is heartbroken by his death. His brother, Drew Hawkins, shared with WISH-TV, “When deaf people meet other deaf people, you click instantly because you share similar experiences. But Ryan connected with everyone; he was a beautiful soul.”
