‘God is in control of this.’ Son, father of 3 killed at gun range says faith is getting family by

GRANTVILLE, Ga. — For the first time we are hearing from the Coweta County coroner Richard Hawk, who was the first person on scene of the triple homicide and robbery at the Lock, Stock and Barrel gun range in Grantville.

He discovered the gruesome scene where both of his parents, Tommy and Evelyn Hawk, and his teenage son, Luke Hawk, were all killed during what police say was a robbery attempt.

“We are grieving, we are hurt, but God’s grace is sufficient. God is in control of this whole matter,” Richard Hawk said.

Channel 2′s Elizabeth Rawlins spoke over the phone with Richard Hawk on Tuesday. Hawk said his strong faith is what is helping him through the shocking discovery.

“I have hope. I know I will see all three of my loved ones again -- My dad, my mom and my son. They are in heaven,” Richard Hawk said.

He told Rawlins he has trained as a first responder for a long time, despite unknowingly responding to what would become his own family emergency.

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“God has been preparing me for this for my whole life, being a paramedic, being a coroner. He’s going to get me through this,” Richard Hawk said.

The search for their killers is now getting nationwide attention. Investigators announced Monday the reward for information has increased to $25,000.

The funeral for all three victims is scheduled for Thursday. Two days away is too far away for this family whose life completely changed in just one.

“Thursday is not even here yet and the Lord may take us home before that,” Richard Hawk said.

This community is rallying, with a fundraiser and social media campaign for the family.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for anyone who would like to help with the funeral expenses for the Hawk family.

The Hawk family released a statement later in the day Tuesday, saying:

“Three beloved members of the Hawk family were taken too soon. We are heartbroken and our loss seems insurmountable. Please respect our family’s privacy during this time. With God, we must grieve and heal as a family.

“We thank the City of Grantville and Coweta County for such an outpouring of love and support. It is so meaningful that so many in our community cherished them as we did and want to help shine a light in the darkness.

“Tommy, Evelyn and Luke will forever be in our hearts.”

RELATED NEWS:

Reward up to $25,000 for information that leads to arrest in Grantville gun range triple murder Investigators returned to the scene of the crime Monday afternoon. The gun range remains under tight surveillance and is closed off with crime scene tape.

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