Army sergeant, 29, admits killing fellow soldier, 21, in brutal army base stabbing in Georgia

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Army sergeant, 29, admits killing his fellow soldier, 21, in a brutal stabbing at an army base in Georgia, stabbing the victim 40 times with a knife in ‘retaliation’ for betraying his friend and fellow soldier ‘ for using marijuana

  • Byron Booker, 29, pleaded guilty to killing fellow soldier Austin J. Hawk, 21
  • He killed him in retaliation for Mr Hawk ‘snitch’ on fellow soldier Jordan Brown
  • Booker admitted he and Brown discussed ‘silencing’ Mr Hawk for reporting
  • The killer brutally stabbed his victim 40 times with a ‘sharpened weapon’

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A former U.S. Army sergeant has admitted to brutally murdering a fellow soldier, stabbing him 40 times with a knife in “retaliation” for “talking out” to his friend and fellow soldier for using marijuana.

Byron Booker, 29, of Ludwici, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the first degree murder of specialist Austin J. Hawk, 21, at his Fort Stewart Military Reservation barracks on June 17, 2020.

The killer now faces a minimum life sentence behind bars in a federal prison, the US Department of Justice said.

Authorities said Booker killed Mr Hawk in retaliation for the victim his friend Jordan Brown, 21, reported to a supervisor for using marijuana.

Prosecutors said Booker sneaked into the soldier’s barracks and “stabbed and stabbed Hawk repeatedly with a sharp weapon.”

A medical examiner later noted that Mr Hawk, who was found dead in his room the next day, had suffered 40 stab wounds during the brutal attack.

US Attorney David H. Estes said, “Byron Booker murdered a former fellow soldier in cold blood in retaliation for that soldier performing his military duties.”

Byron Booker (pictured), 29, pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of fellow soldier Austin J. Hawk

Byron Booker (pictured), 29, pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of fellow soldier Austin J. Hawk

Mr Hawk was stabbed 40 times in a horror attack that was in retaliation for 'balancing out' Booker's friend and fellow soldier Jordan Brown for using marijuana

Mr Hawk was stabbed 40 times in a horror attack that was in retaliation for 'balancing out' Booker's friend and fellow soldier Jordan Brown for using marijuana

Mr Hawk was stabbed 40 times in a horror attack that was in retaliation for ‘balancing out’ Booker’s friend and fellow soldier Jordan Brown for using marijuana

The former US colonel also praised the work of detectives who “solve the terrible crime and bring Booker to justice.”

A plea deal says Brown was forced to complete a urine test, which was positive for THC – a substance in marijuana.

Mr Hawk’s role as a sports director required him to report any drug use as it is considered a criminal offence.

Brown, Booker’s co-defendant, is currently awaiting several charges, including first degree murder, retaliation against a witness with murder and conspiracy. He is considered innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Booker admitted that he and Brown had discussed “silencing” Mr Hawk for reporting the drug use. Prosecutors said they referred to Mr Hawk as a “snitch” in telephone conversations.

The killer told Brown to get a master key and give it to him, but the accomplice was unable to do so.

1666950239 529 Army sergeant 29 admits killing fellow soldier 21 in brutal

1666950239 529 Army sergeant 29 admits killing fellow soldier 21 in brutal

Booker admitted that he and Brown had discussed “silencing” Mr Hawk for reporting the drug use. Pictured: Mr Hawk’s coffin

'Austin's horrific murder has devastated his family,' says GoFundMe

'Austin's horrific murder has devastated his family,' says GoFundMe

‘Austin’s horrific murder has devastated his family,’ says GoFundMe

The fight between Booker and Mr Hawk lasted about 40 minutes between the pair and made so much noise that Brown, in a room below, could hear it all unfolding.

The fight between Booker and Mr Hawk lasted about 40 minutes between the pair and made so much noise that Brown, in a room below, could hear it all unfolding.

The fight between Booker and Mr Hawk lasted about 40 minutes between the pair and made so much noise that Brown, in a room below, could hear it all unfolding.

Brown reportedly had doubts about going ahead with the murder and suggested beating up Mr Hawk instead, but Booker wanted to go through with it.

Booker parked outside the barracks around 12:20 p.m. and “illegitimately” entered Mr Hawk’s room, knowing he would be alone because Brown had informed him that his roommate had moved.

The fight lasted about 40 minutes between the pair and made so much noise that Brown, in a room below, could hear it all unfold.

Booker was taken into custody the next day and arrested on April 12, 2021.

Keri Farley, FBI Atlant Special Agent, said, “Hawk’s family and friends will never be relieved of the pain this senseless murder has caused them, but hopefully it will give them some sense of determination to know that justice will be done.”

Mr Hawk’s family, who set up a GoFundMe page, said: “Austin’s horrific murder has devastated his family.

“They are in disbelief to find out that their beloved son has been murdered by his colleagues.

“No family should have to go through what Austin’s family went through. It is unimaginable to realize that your child serving his country would be murdered by the same people he called his brothers.