Damascus Teen Wanted for Father’s Day Murder

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 14, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD – Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes detectives are looking for a 16-year-old wanted in connection with the shooting death of a Damascus man killed on Father’s Day.

Isaiah Jamael Brown-Hawkins is accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old James Joel Austin on Sunday, June 18 in the 9800 block of Bethesda Church Road in Damascus.

At approximately 9:58 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the address for calls of a shooting. Officers located the victim in the parking lot of the apartment complex with an apparent gunshot wound. Austin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Brown-Hawkins drove away in a Honda that was located in Washington, DC, however Brown-Hawkins has not been found.

A warrant has been requested for the arrest of Isaiah Jamael Brown-Hawkins, charging him with first degree murder, felony murder, armed carjacking and use of a handgun in the commission of a felony.

Detectives believe Brown-Hawkins is armed with a handgun and considered dangerous. Do not approach the suspect if located.

Anyone with information regarding the location of Isaiah Brown-Hawkins is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

Contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Callers can remain anonymous.

Release ID: 23-423
Media Contact:
Categories: homicide

For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail_Pol.aspx?Item_ID=43717