Teen arrested for assaulting woman on Thanksgiving day
23 year-old Mallory Owens attacked by her girlfriend's 18 year-old brother Travis Hawkins Jr. at his family's home in Mobile, AL.
DA: Not able to confirm 'hate crime'
Rich said it is early in the investigation and charges could be upgraded, depending on the evidence. Rich also said her office is still trying to determine a motive.
"Some people say the motive has been a hate crime. We have not been able to confirm that at this point. But that is part of the ongoing investigation, said Rich.
If the beating is considered to be a hate crime, Hawkins could face federal charges.
"A hate crime as defined by law in the State of Alabama does not cover gay and lesbian rights. So that would be a federal charge that would need to be brought against the defendant and that would be the U.S attorney's office, said Rich.
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(Mallory - left, her girlfriend - right)
"She was invited over by the family to eat Thanksgiving. I did not want her to go, I begged her not to go, knowing how the family felt about her. But she said, 'They're trying to be nice.'"
Mallory's mother says this isn't the first time he's attacked her. Earlier this year, family members tell News 5 that Travis Hawkins Jr. hit Mallory over the head with a pipe wrench. She was injured, but the family did not pursue charges after that incident.
This time, she was beaten so badly that she's almost unrecognizable. She had to have facial reconstruction surgery, with metal plates put in her cheek bones.
Unfortunately, the District Attorney is familiar with the Hawkins family. Ashley Rich actually tried to prosecute the defendant's father, Travis Hawkins Sr., in January 2011, after he shot his son, Hawkins Jr. Since the son refused to testify, she was unable to pursue the case further.
Mallory has no health insurance. If anyone would like to donate to her medical bills, a fund has been set up in her name at any Regions Bank.