Keon Wilson-Hawkins Arrested; – A jury has determined that Keon Wilson-Hawkins is guilty of multiple charges, including the first-degree murder of his aunt’s ex-husband, which occurred in Frederick in January 2024.
Keon Wilson-Hawkins faced charges related to the death of Brice Boots, a man from Baltimore County who was discovered deceased in January 2024 within his parked SUV. Prosecutors asserted that the defendant was involved in a conspiracy to commit murder.
Family members of Wilson-Hawkins were present throughout the trial and expressed significant distress regarding the verdict. Similarly, Boots’ family and friends attended the trial but were absent from the courtroom when the jury rendered its decision. The jury took four hours to deliberate before reaching guilty verdicts for first-degree premeditated murder, conspiracy, kidnapping, and carjacking.
Prosecutors informed the jury that Wilson-Hawkins, aged 21, along with his aunt Frances Hamilton—who had military training and was a former Baltimore police officer—and his friend Alonzo Epps Jr., aged 24, conspired to murder Boots, who was 65 years old.
Evidence suggested that Boots and Hamilton, his ex-wife, were engaged in a contentious divorce. In January 2024, an altercation occurred at Boots’ residence in Pikesville.
Boots’ body was located in the front passenger seat of his Toyota Sequoia, which was parked off Crum Road in Walkersville. Evidence indicated that Boots had been beaten and stabbed, with a dog leash tied around his neck. Wilson-Hawkins contended that he had gone to the house to assist his aunt in moving some clothing.
The defendant acknowledged traveling to Frederick County but insisted that he did not enter the field or participate in the murder. The defense directly implicated Hamilton as the likely suspect, alleging that she manipulated and exploited Wilson-Hawkins. Hamilton ultimately died by suicide.
Family members of Wilson-Hawkins were too distraught to speak on camera; however, they attributed responsibility to the aunt through written statements. Wilson-Hawkins’ mother stated: “Everyone, family, friends, and foes, knew this woman was no good. Inquire about my son; he was an extraordinary child…
