California – In a shocking case out of California, a 24-year-old man, identified as S. Hawksworth, has been sentenced to 47 years to life in prison for the cold-blooded murder of his best friend—an execution-style killing followed by a calculated attempt to cover it up. Prosecutors say the defendant, a convicted felon and drug dealer, not only took the life of someone he called a friend but also robbed him and stuffed his body into a trash can before continuing his illegal activities without pause.
Hawksworth was convicted in May by a jury of murder, residential burglary, grand theft, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The sentence, handed down last week by Judge P. Cookson, reflected the premeditated nature of the crime and the disturbing aftermath that followed. “This was a willful, deliberate and premeditated murder,” said District Attorney S. Stephan. “I hope that today’s sentence brings a measure of closure and justice for the victims left behind in the wake of this violent crime.”
The murder took place on October 20, 2023, inside the apartment of E. Alba, a 26-year-old who, by all accounts, considered Hawksworth his closest friend. The two were frequently seen together, and Alba’s parents told reporters they had no reason to believe their son was in danger. But prosecutors say Hawksworth entered the apartment while Alba slept and shot him in the head, killing him instantly. With no hesitation, he then stuffed the body into a trash can, looted the apartment for valuables, and stole Alba’s vehicle, designer sneakers, and clothing.
Authorities later discovered the stolen items in a storage unit Hawksworth had rented and placed under his brother’s name. Even more chilling, Hawksworth reportedly returned to the crime scene multiple times in the days that followed. He was observed continuing his drug-dealing activities as if nothing had happened. Prosecutors said he made deliberate efforts to cover his tracks and conceal his involvement while living his life “as though nothing had happened.” During the sentencing hearing, Judge Cookson condemned the defendant’s actions as involving “a high degree of callousness,” particularly the fact that he robbed his victim’s home immediately after killing him. Hawksworth did speak in court, offering what he called “sincere condolences” to Alba’s grieving family.
“He was my friend. I never foresaw this happening when I met him,” he said. “I never wanted this to happen.” But those words brought little comfort to Alba’s parents, who were present during the hearing and previously described their son as “quiet” but “with a big heart.” Speaking outside the courthouse, Alba’s father said, “This person who took his life was supposedly his best friend, because they were always together. I don’t know why he would do this.”
While Hawksworth will now spend what could be the rest of his life behind bars, the case leaves behind deep wounds and unanswered questions—chief among them, how someone who was trusted so closely could carry out such a brutal betrayal. For Alba’s family, the sentence offers justice, but not peace. The memory of a young man whose life was stolen in his sleep will live on, as the system holds accountable the one who chose to end it.
