In January, a violent incident unfolded on the north side of Indianapolis, where a young father lost his life in a senseless act of robbery that escalated into murder. The victim, 19-year-old Drill Prior, had no idea that a simple date would be his last. The tragedy is tied to two individuals who have since been charged with his death—18-year-old Brian Winston Jr. and 19-year-old Alexis Hawkins. Their actions, driven by greed and manipulation, led to the untimely demise of a hardworking father, leaving his family to cope with an irreplaceable loss.
A Date Gone Wrong
Drill Prior was a devoted father, someone who had managed to stay out of trouble and focus on raising his young daughter, Honey. His life was tragically cut short when a date with Alexis Hawkins turned into a fatal trap. According to court records, Hawkins, the 19-year-old woman who had been communicating with Prior, set up a robbery under the guise of a romantic meeting. She messaged Prior with a seemingly innocent three-word question: “When you free?” But behind this innocent inquiry was a sinister plan to rob him.
At the same time, Hawkins began messaging her boyfriend, Brian Winston Jr., to coordinate the robbery. The unsuspecting Prior had no reason to suspect that the date he was looking forward to would become a deadly ambush. Hawkins and Winston planned to take everything from him, even if it meant using violence. The motive was clear: greed.
The Fatal Shooting
The murder took place near the intersection of 49th Street and State Fairgrounds, a place that would forever be associated with tragedy for Prior’s family. Hawkins was allegedly present inside the victim’s car during the shooting but denied taking part in the violence. Despite her claims, police have found a series of messages exchanged between Hawkins and Winston that tied them both to the robbery and, ultimately, the murder. Winston, who was only 18 years old, allegedly shot and killed Prior, taking everything from the victim, including his life.
The brutality of the crime left the Prior family shattered. Drill Prior’s parents have been left to mourn the loss of their son, and they recently celebrated their granddaughter Honey’s third birthday without him. While the arrest of Hawkins and Winston provides some semblance of justice, the family knows that no amount of legal action can bring back their beloved son.
The Aftermath
For Prior’s parents, the grief of losing their son is indescribable. His mother expressed the pain of losing her child, saying, “You can’t escape this type of pain. You can’t… there’s no running from it, no getting away.” Despite the legal proceedings against the suspects, there is no comfort for the family in knowing that their son’s killers have been taken into custody. The anguish is all-consuming, and the wounds remain raw.
The fact that Prior had been a loving father, someone who had worked tirelessly to provide for his daughter, only adds to the heartbreak. He had a bright future ahead of him, but that was all stolen in a split second by two individuals who chose violence over compassion.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Both Alexis Hawkins and Brian Winston Jr. are facing charges of murder and robbery in connection with Prior’s death. They are currently being held without bond as they await their court hearings. Hawkins made her initial court appearance, where she was formally charged, but the severity of the crime has left the community shaken, as many wonder what could have driven these young individuals to commit such an unforgivable act.
The trial will determine the extent of Hawkins’ involvement in the murder, as the police investigation continues to uncover the details surrounding the tragic events. While Hawkins was present during the shooting, she claims that she did not participate in the violence. However, the evidence, including the messages exchanged between her and Winston, paints a clear picture of their roles in the fatal act.
Conclusion: A Family’s Grief
The death of Drill Prior has left a void that cannot be filled. His family, particularly his young daughter, will have to grow up without the love and support of their father. The trauma of losing him to such a senseless act of violence will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
As the legal system moves forward with the case, the Prior family is left to grieve, knowing that nothing can bring their son back. Drill’s parents will continue to mourn their loss, while they hold onto the memories of the son they loved, a son who was stolen from them in the most horrific way imaginable.