Attorney General's News Release

September 14, 2007

West Plains man charged with first-degree assault for allegedly shaking 17-month-old, causing serious injuries

West Plains, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed one count of assault in the first degree against William Brian Hawkins of West Plains. The felony complaint alleges Hawkins (DOB - 12/3/77) caused serious injury to a 17-month-old girl by shaking her in March 2006. The Attorney General's Office was appointed as special prosecutor on the case after the Howell County prosecuting attorney recused himself from the matter because of a conflict of interest.

According to the probable cause statement filed with the complaint, West Plains police officers were dispatched to Ozarks Medical Center in the early morning hours of March 23, 2006 for a report of possible child abuse. The probable cause statement alleges that an investigation by the West Plains police department revealed that the only persons home with the girl at the time she suffered injuries were the defendant and two other children. The statement further alleges that a pediatrician from St. Louis Children's Hospital submitted an affidavit that stated the brain damage and hemorrhages suffered by the girl were characteristic of injuries caused by shaken baby syndrome.

Assault in the first degree is a class A felony, punishable upon conviction by a prison sentence of no less than 10 years and no more than 30 years, or life imprisonment. The charge against the defendant is merely an accusation and, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818