ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. – Two people were taken into custody in connection with the slaying of a disabled military veteran in Rogersville, who police believe was beaten and stabbed to death for his medication.
Rogersville Police Chief Doug Nelson told the Kingsport Times News that 52-year-old Roger Hawkins was found dead by a family member on Saturday at his apartment. Nelson said Hawkins was disabled and was a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Police arrested 18-year-old Austin Scott Price and 22-year-old Samuel Wade Hirsch and charged them with felony first-degree murder. They are being held without bond until their arraignment on Monday.
Nelson said robbery appears to be the motive, which included items such as medications, firearms and cash.