Rock Hill, SC, October 8, 2025
News Summary
The family of Evan Hawthorne, convicted of murdering retired officer Larry Vaughan, claims police misconduct tainted the investigation. They allege withheld evidence and bias influenced the trial’s outcome. Vaughan, found dead in 2021, posed a challenge for the investigation team, with conflicting interests raised due to his police background. The Hawthorne family continues to seek justice, believing critical evidence was mishandled. Meanwhile, the trial’s outcome remains a source of contention, as both families react differently to the verdict.
Rock Hill, SC – The family of Evan Hawthorne, a convicted murderer, is claiming that the investigation into the 2021 death of retired police officer Larry Vaughan was tainted due to police misconduct. Vaughan was found dead in his Rock Hill apartment in July 2021, and his death led to a fast-moving investigation that centered on Hawthorne, a college student and former Marine, who had been drinking with Vaughan the night of his death. Shortly after Vaughan’s death, Hawthorne was arrested and later convicted of murder four years later. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Hawthorne family alleges that the investigation was marred by withheld evidence, conflicts of interest, and significant investigative oversights. Vaughan died at the age of 54, while Hawthorne is currently 31 years old. The two men first met at Tattoo Brews, a bar in downtown Rock Hill, on July 23, 2021, where they were seen engaging in both friendly and confrontational behavior. Surveillance footage from the bar showed an incident where Vaughan pushed Hawthorne off a barstool, escalating the tension of their evening.
After leaving the bar, they walked the short distance to Vaughan’s apartment, reportedly approximately 100 yards away. Once inside, an altercation occurred, leading to a struggle in Vaughan’s bathroom. Hawthorne claimed that he was attacked by Vaughan and struck him in self-defense. Reports indicate that Hawthorne had marks on his neck consistent with choking and on his forearms that appeared to be defensive wounds.
Evidence that has come under scrutiny includes a knife found near Vaughan’s body, which was allegedly never documented or analyzed properly. According to the Hawthorne family, early investigative steps such as DNA tests and proper documentation of the crime scene were allegedly skipped, and investigators failed to conduct thorough blood pattern analysis at the scene of the struggle.
The Hawthorne family argues that the case should have been handed over to an independent body for investigation, citing Vaughan’s past role as a police officer in York County. The investigation’s impartiality has been called into question after a deputy sheriff admitted to knowing Vaughan, raising concerns about potential bias. Furthermore, there have been allegations of jury tampering, including incidents in which an alternate juror was approached by a detective for insights regarding jury deliberations.
The prosecution’s case against Hawthorne emphasized evidence of aggression and malice towards Vaughan, while the defense sought to argue the actions were in self-defense due to Vaughan’s alleged aggressive behavior. In response to Hawthorne’s conviction, Vaughan’s family expressed feelings of relief along with sorrow, highlighting the profound impact of his loss on their lives. Meanwhile, Hawthorne’s family has issued a statement indicating their intent to pursue a further investigation, citing their belief that evidence was mishandled and concealed during the original investigation.
The controversy surrounding this case underscores concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest within South Carolina’s justice system, as the Hawthorne family continues to seek justice for Evan and challenge the legitimacy of the initial investigation and trial.
Key Details of the Case
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Larry Vaughan |
| Age of Victim | 54 |
| Convicted | Evan Hawthorne |
| Convicted Age | 27 |
| Sentenced For | Murder |
| Sentence | Life without parole |
| Incident Date | July 23, 2021 |
| Blood Alcohol Level of Vaughan | 0.277 |
| Medication in Vaughan’s System | Approximately 1,000 mg of Zoloft |
FAQ
Who was Larry Vaughan?
Larry Vaughan was a retired police officer who was found dead in his Rock Hill apartment in July 2021, at the age of 54.
Who is Evan Hawthorne?
Evan Hawthorne is a college student and former Marine who was drinking with Vaughan the night of his death. He was arrested within hours and later convicted of murder four years later.
What are the claims made by the Hawthorne family?
The Hawthorne family alleges police misconduct, including withheld evidence, conflicts of interest, and that the investigation should have been handled by an independent body due to Vaughan’s past as a police officer.
What led to the altercation between Vaughan and Hawthorne?
Witnesses and surveillance footage indicated that both men had been drinking heavily. An incident at Tattoo Brews escalated tensions, leading to an altercation in Vaughan’s apartment.
What was the outcome of the original trial?
Evan Hawthorne was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Investigation Allegations in Murder Case
- Wikipedia: Murder
- Charlotte Observer: Trial Updates on Hawthorne
- Google Search: Evan Hawthorne Trial
- WCNC: Deputy Conviction Case
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Conduct
- WSOC TV: Jury Testimonies in Trial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jury Trial
- WBTV: Deputy Convicted for Murder
- Google News: South Carolina Justice System
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
