Hawkins Man Arrested for Murder After Alleged Shooting While Holding Child

Hawkins Man Arrested for Murder

Allegedly Shot Victim During Custody Exchange While Holding His Child

HAWKINS, Texas — In a tragic and disturbing case, a Hawkins man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting another man during a custody exchange—while holding his young child.

According to an affidavit from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 11:52 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2025. Law enforcement responded to a scene on N. Beaulah Street where they found 28-year-old Mitchell Wayne Palmer lying deceased in a dirt driveway.

Hawkins Police officers arrived first and found 42-year-old Shawn Moore standing calmly in the driveway with a black handgun holstered at his side. The weapon was removed, and Moore was immediately detained.

Texas Rangers arrived shortly after and noted multiple gunshot wounds to Palmer’s chest and upper shoulder. Six spent 9mm shell casings were located nearby, and they matched the rounds remaining in Moore’s firearm.

According to witness statements, Moore drew the weapon and shot Palmer at close range—while cradling his child in the other arm. No witnesses reported seeing Palmer with a weapon, and law enforcement confirmed that no knife or other threatening item was recovered from the scene.

Moore admitted to firing at Palmer during their verbal dispute but claimed he believed Palmer had a knife. His account, however, was not corroborated by physical evidence or eyewitnesses.

Shawn Moore has been charged with murder and remains in the Wood County Jail on a $1 million bond.