Indiana Man Killed In Road Rage

A deaf Indiana man was killed in what his family believes 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, of Indianapolis, and Shawna Rowland, 23, of Greenwood, in connection with the May 1 shooting death of 35-year-old Ryan Hawkins. The arrest followed several 911 calls reporting a possible shooting and a car swerving off I-65 northbound into a pond.

First responders arrived to find Hawkins lying unconscious in the grass, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators determined that his Hyundai Elantra had veered into a nearby pond and sunk close to where his body was found. Indiana State Police SCUBA divers quickly responded to search the submerged vehicle and confirmed it was empty.

The investigation revealed that shots were allegedly fired from another vehicle at Hawkins’ car before it crashed. Hawkins suffered a gunshot wound and injuries from being ejected from the car. Bullet holes were discovered in the submerged vehicle, leading authorities to believe the shooting was the cause of the crash.

Hawkins’ family told WISH-TV they believe the incident started with a “honking incident,” prompting Hawkins to try to escape from a Ford Explorer. Witnesses reported that as Hawkins attempted to flee, 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. Briski was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He allegedly admitted to police that Hawkins was “brake-checking” him, causing Briski to fear a crash. “I’ll tell you right here, I did it,” Briski reportedly confessed, though he claimed it was unintentional.

Hawkins’ family is devastated by his death. His brother, Drew Hawkins, shared that Ryan had a special connection with everyone, especially within the deaf community, describing him as a “beautiful soul.”