News Releases

Teen Wanted for Damascus Homicide Arrested

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 31, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD - A 16-year-old wanted in connection with a Father’s Day homicide is in custody.

Isaiah Brown-Hawkins was arrested by Forest Heights police officers on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

The Damascus teen 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.

Brown-Hawkins drove away in a Honda belonging to Austin. The car was located in Washington, DC, however he has been on the run since the shooting.

Brown-Hawkins was seen driving a stolen vehicle on Audrey Lane in Oxon Hill. When officers attempted to make a traffic stop, Brown-Hawkins allegedly rammed police cruisers, got out of the car and ran away.

Brown-Hawkins was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. A handgun was found by officers during the pursuit.

Detectives requested and obtained a warrant for Brown-Hawkins’ arrest on Monday, June 19. He has been charged with first-degree murder, armed carjacking and use of a handgun in the commission of a felony.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Homicide Section responded to Prince George’s County, and Brown-Hawkins was transported to Montgomery County’s Central Processing Unit, where he was served with the warrant and awaits a bond hearing.

19-year-old Khamani Imes of Damascus was arrested on Tuesday, August 1, for allegedly giving a gun to Brown-Hawkins, which was used to shoot and kill Austin.

This remains an active investigation.

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Release ID: 23-518
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: arrest