News Summary
The trial for Evan Robert Hawthorne, accused of murdering retired police Lt. Larry Vaughan, is set for August 18, 2025, after a lengthy delay. Vaughan was found dead in his apartment, and evidence links Hawthorne to the incident following an altercation. Despite video evidence, Hawthorne pleads not guilty, claiming self-defense. The case has faced numerous delays, and a separate wrongful death lawsuit against Hawthorne has also been filed. Vaughan’s family is seeking justice amidst the emotional turmoil caused by the delays.
Rock Hill, SC – The trial for Evan Robert Hawthorne, accused of murdering retired police Lt. Larry Vaughan, is scheduled to begin on August 18, 2025, at the Moss Justice Center in York, South Carolina, following a four-year delay. Vaughan, who served on the Rock Hill police force for 30 years, was found dead in his downtown apartment on July 23, 2021.
Hawthorne was arrested just hours after Vaughan was discovered dead, charged with murder following an altercation that reportedly took place at the Tattooed Brews bar prior to the incident. Investigators built a case against Hawthorne based on video surveillance and witness statements. Despite the evidence, Hawthorne has pleaded not guilty to the charges, asserting that he acted in self-defense.
York County prosecutors transferred the case to Spartanburg County due to a conflict of interest stemming from Vaughan’s long-standing affiliation with the police department. Delays were compounded by a year-long court shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which postponed the trial’s proceedings significantly.
According to official reports, at the time of his death, Vaughan’s blood alcohol level was recorded at .27, more than three times the legal limit for driving. Hawthorne, who previously served as a sheriff’s deputy in Chester County, has been on a $250,000 bail with an electronic monitoring device since December 2022.
Hawthorne’s legal representation includes prominent South Carolina attorneys Jack Swerling and Todd Rutherford, reflecting the serious nature of the charges against him. As the trial date approaches, pre-trial motions will be addressed by SC Circuit Court Judge Keith Kelly in the week leading up to the trial.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, Vaughan’s estate has initiated a separate wrongful death lawsuit against Hawthorne and Tattooed Brews, which has already been amended but lacks a set trial date. The criminal case and civil suit are expected to progress independently of one another.
Vaughan’s family has expressed their dissatisfaction with the extensive delays in the legal process, describing it as a “nightmare.” They are seeking justice for their loss while grappling with the emotional toll the situation has imposed over the past four years.
The upcoming trial is anticipated to draw considerable public attention as it marks the culmination of a lengthy legal battle. The outcome will be closely followed by the community, particularly those who knew Vaughan during his tenure as a dedicated police officer.
As the date of the trial nears, both the prosecution and defense teams are preparing their cases amid the heightened scrutiny surrounding this high-profile incident. The legal ramifications of this case underscore broader issues regarding violence, self-defense claims, and the conduct of individuals within law enforcement.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Crime News
- Wikipedia: Larry Vaughan
- WSOC TV: Attempted Murder Charges in Rock Hill
- Google Search: Rock Hill Crime
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Shooting Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- WCNC: Trials in Rock Hill
- Google News: Murder Trials South Carolina
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