Memphis, Tenn. — The trial of Quaverre Rogers, accused of fatally shooting Damien Hawkins on Beale Street in early 2024, begins this week, drawing attention in a case marked by initial prosecutorial challenges and a community’s heartache over a sudden, violent loss. Rogers faces a charge of first-degree murder following an incident that law enforcement authorities captured on a surveillance camera outside Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe.
Charloris Isabel-Hawkins, the widow of the deceased, expressed profound grief mixed with a stern resolve as the court proceedings approach. “It feels like I haven’t fully grieved yet. There’s still something significant I need to face: the trial,” she shared.
The ordeal began when Memphis Police responded to a fight outside the cafe on March 17, 2024. Officers arrived to the sounds of a gunshot and discovered Damien Hawkins’ body, with Rogers detained nearby. The confrontation and fatal shooting were recorded by nearby cameras, intensifying the prosecution’s case against Rogers.
Isabel-Hawkins recounted the emotional turmoil of observing discussions about the possibility of bond for Rogers, finding it difficult to comprehend the defense’s arguments given the documented evidence of the crime. Currently, Rogers is held under a $1 million bond.
Previously, the case encountered a significant hiccup when charges against Rogers were dropped due to a lack of eyewitness testimony contradicting the video evidence, leading to an initial cessation of proceedings. However, charges were later reinstated with increased severity, offering some solace to Hawkins’s family.
Reflecting on her husband’s life, Isabel-Hawkins described him as a “gentle giant” whose death left a void in the lives of many, particularly their daughter. “Our daughter lost her dad. Damien was not just my husband and her father, but also a son, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather, and a deeply involved parent in school activities,” she noted.
As the community watches closely, Isabel-Hawkins stands determined to achieve justice for her late husband, equating justice to the assurance of Rogers’s long-term incarceration. “Justice for me is for the murderer to remain behind bars as long as my husband lays in his grave, robbed of life,” she stated.
The legal proceedings are set to commence with jury selection on Monday, followed by opening arguments. The case has touched a nerve across Memphis, highlighting not only the impact of violence but also the resilience and persistence of those seeking justice under trying circumstances. The trial promises to be a focal point for discussions on community safety, legal efficacy, and the long, often painful journey of those left behind.