Mallory Owens: a Hate Crime in Alabama
Any man who beats up on a woman has a special place in Hell awaiting him. Any man who brutally beats a woman nearly to death because of her sexuality not only holds a reservation in Hell but also a warm spot at a penitentiary. Hopefully, for a long time.
On Thanksgiving, Mallory Owens went to celebrate the holiday with dinner with her girlfriend, Ally Hawkins, at her girlfriend’s family’s home. Travis Hawkins Jr., Ally’s brother, viciously attacked Mallory, reportedly as the family looked on. Travis Hawkins, Jr. is just 18-years-old!
A man who does this to a woman is no man whatsoever. 
According to Mallory’s sister, this isn’t even the first time this woman-beater attacked Mallory, stating that “…he never liked Mallory and Ally to begin with.” I don’t necessarily like my sister, either, but I’d never raise a hand to hurt her and wouldn’t allow anyone else to do it, either.
There are a few issues involved in this troubling case that makes it even more disturbing. First of all, how is it that the family “stood around and watched” as this attack took place? Why aren’t there charges being filed against every one of them who “stood around and watched” as this young woman was being pulverized by a deranged teenager? If no one intervened during the obvious commission of a crime but remains a witness to it, shouldn’t that make them guilty of “accessory to…” the crime being committed?
Secondly, this attack occurred on Thanksgiving day. That was Thursday. Four days ago! No local Mobile, Alabama picked up the story until this very day, November 26th, four days after the horrendous attack. In fact, the only reason they were “pushed” into “breaking” the story is because it had begun to circulate and go viral on the social media giant, facebook. Several prominent pages, including Wipe Out Homophobia, STOP Teenage Suicide, and Enough is Enough: the blog page, began to publish the story late morning. By mid-afternoon, it had gone viral. It was then that the local stations saw an urgency to push the story. How can that be? Why wasn’t this first-page news immediately after it happened. A 23-year-old lesbian was beaten within inches of her life, and that’s not newsworthy? Or, was that another “boys will be boys” incident that didn’t require any media attention. The editors of all of the local Mobile, Alabama media outlets should be ashamed of themselves for failing to bring this story to light. It shouldn’t have taken a facebook effort to shine light on this travesty.
Thirdly, and most egregious, is what young Travis Hawkins, Jr. is charged with. For the crime of beating a 23-year-old woman nearly to death, Travis is charged with second degree assault. Second degree assault! I know that in the state where I live, second degree assault carries very little time. The crime Travis Hawkins, Jr. committed on Thanksgiving Day, against Mallory Owens, is attempted murder. Period. Further, he should be charged with a hate crime. Alas, his charge is a simple second degree assault charge for beating a woman so badly, she now has metal plates under each eye socket. She now has bleeding on the brain. Her life will never be the same. Second degree assault. At the very least, he should’ve been charged with first degree assault.
In addition to the facebook pages that are responsible for bringing this story the national attention it deserves, there is now a facebook page dedicated to getting justice for Mallory: Justice Today – For Mallory. There is also a petition, that needs signatures!, that is designed to compel the Alabama judicial branch to charge Travis Hawkins, Jr. with what he should’ve been charged with from the beginning: attempted murder and a hate crime. (at LEAST a first degree assault charge) Please sign the petition, then pass it on so that others can sign it, as well.
Shame on Travis for beating on a woman; shame on the Mobile, Alabama media for not picking up this story before today; and, shame on the Alabama State’s Attorney’s Office for charging this young thug with a mere second degree assault in the brutal attack. We demand justice for Mallory, and we won’t rest until we see it.
SIGN THIS PETITION TO BRING TRAVIS HAWKINS, JR. TO JUSTICE:
http://www.change.org/petitions/mobile-county-alabama-prosecutor-bring-travis-hawkins-jr-to-justice
ronkempmusic 
“Why aren’t there charges being filed against every one of them who “stood around and watched” as this young woman was being pulverized by a deranged teenager? If no one intervened during the obvious commission of a crime but remains a witness to it, shouldn’t that make them guilty of “accessory to…” the crime being committed?”
Because the law is crystal clear on this subject. NO ONE may be forced into a situation that pts their own safety at risk in order to help another person. No country on Earth hasa any law forcing one to intervene when it could put ones own life in danger. That’s why.
One can stand and watch anything without intervening – ubless, of course, one is a professional required to report such events (such as a teacher, priest, or law enforcement officer) – and even then, one must only report – not physically intervene,.
Peter Formaini
November 27, 2012 at 12:16 am
It can be argued that the family aided and abetted in the commission of a crime.
Doug Bruce
November 27, 2012 at 1:58 am
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Charge-Travis-Hawkins-Jr-with-the-attempted-murder-of-Mallory-Owens/389492231128570
posted by Mallory’s family in the last Status update (within the last hour) is the answers as to “why the family did ‘nothing'”
Amanda McElfresh (@amcelfreshFYN)
November 27, 2012 at 7:23 pm
stupid comment, with stupid reference to relative time, is stupid. js. now im sifting through this wall full of posts looking for something around 6:30 am in, i hope, the eastern time zone. i hate shit like this, also, when people try to orient you over the phone saying left and right… lol, can i get an amen? praise raptop jesus.
Kyle Hunt
November 28, 2012 at 4:17 am
So if those that watched did not intervene because they were afraid for their own safety then this little boy with a big chip on his shoulder should be put away even longer for his violent tendencies. He was using his fists…not a weapon…what’s there to be afraid of? Unless the family already knew nothing would happen to him for the beating he gave her and feared if they intervened they would be next???!! Something should be done to this boy regardless if she’s gay or not! A man beating on a woman like that in front of me WOULD BE STOPPED!
beckyann
November 27, 2012 at 12:10 pm
The real question is whether they reported the crime. If they did not, they abetted it.
Luke Bogash
November 27, 2012 at 3:18 pm
there are several countries that have good Samaritan laws, for example in Argentina “…or abandoning to their fate a person unable to cope alone who must be cared for … will be imprisoned for between 2 and 6 years”
Craig Hutchison
November 27, 2012 at 3:20 pm
So do you mean to say that – you would just stand there and let your significant other get killed – without taking action. U are a worthless POS if that is the case. Only cowards stand by and let someone get beat like this. Evert state allows citizens to protect themselves and or others from great (grevious) bodily harm.
GunnyMack
November 27, 2012 at 7:17 pm
The boy who did this stated he doesn’t like his sister but would never think of hitting her, so one would assume that it would be the same for the rest of the family. The people who stood and watched should be prosecuted too. This boy should get the maximum punishment possible! This is ridiculous that he thinks what he did is okay in his deranged mind! I pray Mallory pulls through.
Kristen
November 27, 2012 at 7:23 pm
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Charge-Travis-Hawkins-Jr-with-the-attempted-murder-of-Mallory-Owens/389492231128570
posted by Mallory’s family in the last Status update (within the last hour) is the answers as to “why the family did ‘nothing'”
Amanda McElfresh (@amcelfreshFYN)
November 27, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Shame on the entire family who permitted this to happen – how disgusting to be so viciously attacked and actually have it sanctioned, as it was, by their choice not to intervene. Her girlfriend must have been distraught. Aren’t there Federal laws that can be used to do something to obtain justice for Mallory?
Wendy McQuarrie
November 27, 2012 at 12:17 am
All I can say is this. The boy better watch out. The Owens family has very very long arms.
j4ckl3 (@j4ckl3)
November 27, 2012 at 12:57 am
Why would you warn him?
Charles
November 27, 2012 at 3:14 am
Yes we bloody well do. What is this cowardice!? I think I might have to pack my bags and head to Alabama, give this pathetic worm a visit.
Jaque Owens
November 27, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Is that all you have to say, Owens??????
jamming
November 27, 2012 at 4:27 pm
What kind of family has raised this boy??!!
Bryan Lavies
November 27, 2012 at 1:26 am
PFFFT the same family that stood by and did nothing! How they could stand by and do nothing to stop this, makes them just as guilty as far as I’m concerned. Charge them all!!!!
Danielle
November 27, 2012 at 5:33 am
This disgusting young man was taught to hate, probably throughout his entire life. Throw mom and dad in jail too, they are every bit as guilty as their sick-o son.
Doug Bruce
November 27, 2012 at 1:55 am
I hope that justice is served and Mallory has a speedy recovery. May god guide her in the days to come.
Tiffany Smith
November 27, 2012 at 1:58 am
Welcome to Alabama. You should probably leave as soon as possible.
Hunter Pierce
November 27, 2012 at 2:02 am
Why would you include an entire state in your comment? I’m from Alabama and will do all I can to see that this monster gets put away for a long time.
Chad
November 27, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I can’t understand this at all. Here it Texas it is perfectly legal to use deadly force to stop someone who is committing serious bodily harm or to keep them from committing murder on someone else. That means if he would have tried that crap here he would have been ventilated. The police would only have shown up to watch him get loaded into the meat wagon. I signed the petition and sent to lots of others who will send it to lot of others. God Bless.
Ernest Curry
November 27, 2012 at 2:29 am
Please, God bless us, with your sounds of hatred. You should forgive him as you would want the Lord to forgive you. God bless you!
jamming
November 27, 2012 at 4:25 pm
This was no doubt attempted murder as well as a hate crime. I think it’s fairly obvious that the only reason she was attacked was because of her sexuality and who she is dating. All eyes are on Alabama on this one. Maybe for once they’ll NOT make a mockery of themselves to the rest of the country when it comes to equality and civil rights.
ThisIsAshleyQuinn
November 27, 2012 at 2:49 am
Me and my whole family are repulsed by what that punk has done to that girl and hope that some how he well get charged the way he should be and not just get a slap on the wrist for is crime .
evonne wilder
November 27, 2012 at 3:58 am
I was assaulted by a dike lesbian, not hate crime was charged!!!! I’m just disgusted
jamming
November 27, 2012 at 4:23 pm
You should forgive her as you would want the Lord to forgive you. God bless you!
Watchingout4thelittleguy
November 27, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Bring his ass to Texas. We love Capital Punishment. Wish it was legal to do it yourself.
TJ
November 27, 2012 at 4:04 am
And I think that they all need to be charged for not doing any think but waitching this happin even the so called girlfriend because no one I there right man would stand there and let there boyfriend or girlfriend be bet with out trying to do somthing.
evonne wilder
November 27, 2012 at 4:07 am
Fry his ass!!! And the idiots that stood by and did nothing!!!
wendy keeton
November 27, 2012 at 4:22 am
It’s the homophobic bible belt, redneck jury will probably give him a medal. Get the FBI involved, and fast.
Phillip
November 27, 2012 at 4:41 am
Absolutly that little bastard should get charged with attempted murder and a hate crime. The family should also be charged, what about the girlfriend where was she? Did she try to stop it? Alabama us a fucked up state that dose not care about gays.
Mona
November 27, 2012 at 4:54 am
The assailant and his family are not Christians and have no morals at all. /..
ThisShall NotPass
November 27, 2012 at 5:54 am
They probably filed second degree because it will be easier to get a grand jury to indict on as well as get a conviction on. The DA would have to prove several things to get the 1st class charge in the state of Alabama where as the 2nd degree is less strict (as far as terminology and conviction is concerned). Even as a second degree assault the accused is looking at federal time of 5-10 for a single charge and will probably face multiple counts due to the extent of her injuries. Give the system time to work and it will bring this monster to justice.
ikillbambis
November 27, 2012 at 11:09 am
The jerk will get his payback in or out of jail in time. My first thought was burn the on lookers too, but wouldn’t that include the girlfriend too? Just being fair. We don’t know, because we weren’t there. This bully didn’t all of a sudden choose this homosexual girl friend of his sister to be his first victim. I imagine he’s been terrorizing his family (we already know he hated his own sister) small animals, teachers and anyone else he felt power over. Granted the family could have dialed 911. I’m surprised at the shock of the people that have made comments before me, about taking so long reaching the news. I noticed the anger was more because the victim was “gay”, then the concern for the female, period. Oh I get the “hate crime” aspect and feel there should always be a stiffer punishment for that. I feel like it shouldn’t matter what a person’s sexual preference is, as to how news worthy it is. There are hundreds of females of all ages who get the crap beat out of them on a daily basis without any news coverage at all. My concern isn’t whether someone is homosexual or heterosexual, and lately it’s the newest thing to label yourself as such, no matter what it concerns: Suicide, bullying, terroristic acts of violence. I know America is “coming out”, but does that make homosexuals more news worthy than some one who’s not? I have friends of all kinds and love them to no end. Peace to all.
Christy Magruder
November 27, 2012 at 12:54 pm
I don’t understand how you can not see the hypocrisy of your statement here. Why should women who are hit by men be any different than men who are hit by gay women, gay women hit by other straight women, etc., I could go one all day. No one should be hitting ANYONE in such a violent way. Violence is our problem and our opponent here. It doesn’t matter if it was done by a man or a woman and to a man or a woman. Gay or straight or whatever in between.
So before you continue to think we shouldn’t be making homosexuals more news worthy than “regular” people, tell me why should women be more news worthy than men, transsexuals, gay people, and all the other people that happen to not be “normal” straight women? Sexual orientation, identity, heritage, race, color, sex (and everything else) should not matter. Only the act matters, and we bring up these acts as news when they happen to try and keep them from happening again. And to show where things went wrong and how to help keep them from happening in the future. Not only on his side, but if another family reads this story and sees some warning signs from someone in their family (could be their daughter showing signs of instability and violent hatred and bigotry toward their Mormon relative visiting for the holidays in another family) they know to take action before its a problem. Or if someone does get violent they can understand how to take action next time instead of standing by not knowing what to do or how bad it can get for the girl.
THAT’S why we bring these stories to light. Not because gays are more news worthy!
Trey
November 27, 2012 at 11:02 pm
No one should be hit by anyone. It is incredibly sexist to say “men shouldn’t hit women” – and it’s crap. There are plenty aggressive violent women out there hitting men, there are plenty of women I know who are twice the size and strength of the average man and there are plenty men out there who are tiny and defenceless compared to the average woman. Depicting women as the ‘weaker’ sex is an insult to women and simply not true. What is between your legs doesn’t give you any privileges or special treatment, all people, men or women deserve respect and not to be hit or attack by another, and all people, men or women, who do hit and attack others should be dealt with equally.
MJB
November 27, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Thank you. This is exactly what I want to say to people who are outraged when a man beats a woman – not because of the act, but because of the sex of the victim and the sex of the assailant. Instead of saying that men should never hit women and that a man who does so is not a “real man”…how about saying that no one should hit anyone?
Gill
November 27, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Well that’s the price of wanting to be in a mans position. You want to be a dick and like pussy? That’s cool. Dicks get their asses beat.
G.O.D
November 27, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Lmao!!!
jamming
November 27, 2012 at 4:21 pm
In many states, the max sentence for 2nd degree assault is 15 years. There is a good chance he will be in jail for about 10 years… Don’t get all bent up on hate crimes ppl.. hes goin away for a long time
butt diddler
November 27, 2012 at 3:08 pm
She’s not on life support or anything, i wouldn’t say she almost died lol… And she could have stayed the fight for all we know and he just put her in a place where she wanted to be, a mans place lmao
jamming
November 27, 2012 at 4:18 pm
What’s wrong with you, dude? You’ve been doing nothing but spread negativity on this page. Just because someone doesn’t have to be kept alive by machines doesn’t mean they weren’t near death. Shock and trauma can kill. Her face was smashed to bits.
“A man’s place,” that’s nice. I hope with all my heart that one day you get to experience what it’s like to get your skull shattered.
ralex
November 27, 2012 at 5:32 pm
You are an idiot and a hypocrite – talking about God and forgiveness in one breath and then showing hate toward others with the next breath. If you got beat up by a dike, it is probably because you deserved it. Her sexuality had nothing to do with encouraging you to shut your pie hole.
Watchingout4thelittleguy
November 27, 2012 at 5:50 pm
This is obviously a hated crime. This man is disgusting and should get the maximum punishment.
Nastasja Faison
November 27, 2012 at 5:38 pm
End homophobia and abuse!
shelby lane
November 27, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Violence must be stopped. No criminal system anywherein civilized society should leat this act go unpunished. May our hearts learn to RESPECT all. It may have to bsegin with an inner peace with our selves. Please, let begin with us.
nell, Juvi nurse
November 27, 2012 at 6:45 pm
What I’m not seeing here are the details that lead to the alleged altercation. Furthermore, labeling him as a woman beater or by saying that his hitting a woman is any more serious than hitting a man is sexist. Do I think he should be charged with a higher crime than Assault 2? Yes. If he has, in fact, attempted physical violence against the victim in the past than this is clearly a premeditated action. However, without the details of the assault, than any assertions are pure conjecture and therefore born out of personal emotion and bias.
Kaiser H Soze
November 27, 2012 at 7:04 pm
If this guy beat up his sisters boyfriend this wouldn’t even be a story. Since its a lesbian it’s a huge deal. Now everyone’s crying for a hate crime. It’s wrong for men to beat on women. Even if that woman is a lesbian. My sister is a lesbian and if her girlfriends brother messed her up this way I wouldn’t be whining for the ultra un-fair bullshit hate crime charge I’d be asking for an attempted murder charge.
Chris Wright
November 28, 2012 at 7:22 am
Abuse of any kind is just wrong and they should throw away the key with these cowards!
Hilary
November 28, 2012 at 12:21 pm
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