News Release

Murderer of US Park Police Officer Pleads Guilty

Date: April 28, 2016

Prince George’s County – On December 23, 1971, Charles Hopkins shot and killed Officer Raymond Hawkins while committing an armed robbery. Officer Hawkins was off duty and attempted to thwart the robbery of a 7-11 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Hopkins was originally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

 The case was prosecuted by the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, which was challenged with the age of the case, the lack of appropriate case files, the lack of access to physical evidence, and the unavailability of witnesses. Although the outcome of this sentencing was far from just, the Force applauds the States Attorney’s office for their commitment and dedication to this case.
 Due to improper jury instructions in the original trial, Hopkins was recently granted the opportunity for a new trial. The Prince George's County States Attorney entered into a plea arrangement with Hopkins. Yesterday in Prince George’s County Court, Hopkins was sentenced to life suspend all but 65 years.