Judith Hawkey

Case record: Judith Hawkey

Background

Judith Hawkey was convicted for orchestrating the death of her former husband, Robert Breininger, by forcing her 10-year-old stepson to shoot him. Hawkey was described as the boy’s adoptive mother and had been abusive to him.

Judith Hawkey was from Oakwood, Ohio and was 46 years old.

The offence

Robert Breininger, 34, was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the head.

On November 3, 2003, emergency workers responded to a report of an accidental shooting involving a 10-year-old boy at 9463 Kyle St. in Mark Center. Robert Breininger was found dead in a bedroom of the couple’s home. His death was initially ruled an accident involving the then-10-year-old son.

Investigators later learned that Hawkey forced him to shoot his father. Hawkey collected nearly $500,000 in life insurance connected to Breininger’s death.

Corey Breininger testified against Hawkey at trial. The testimony indicated Hawkey manipulated him to shoot Robert Breininger and to lie about it. Hawkey claimed the shooting was an accident.

Investigation

Defiance County deputies and emergency personnel responded to the home after a report of an alleged accidental shooting involving a then 10-year-old boy.

A coroner pronounced Robert Breininger dead at the scene.

Further investigation reopened the matter as a homicide, leading to a grand jury indictment. Prosecutor Morris Murray said the investigation reopened due to new evidence that prosecutors uncovered, and that the information on what caused the investigation to be reopened as a homicide was not something he could comment on publicly.

Prosecutors alleged that Hawkey tortured and abused the child over a three to four-year period when the child was between the ages of 7 and 10, spanning 2000 to 2003.

Arrest and charges

Judith Hawkey was indicted by a grand jury on one count of aggravated murder, four counts of endangering children, and one count of insurance fraud. The indictment was unsealed after Hawkey’s arrest.

Hawkey faced six charges, including felony aggravated murder. She was also charged with four counts of endangering children, including one second-degree felony count. Authorities said Hawkey was the only one facing charges, and that no charges would be brought against the child.

Hawkey pleaded not guilty at an appearance in court where she was facing the charges.

Hawkey was being held at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio on a $3 million bond.

Trial

Judith Hawkey stood trial in Defiance County Common Pleas Court.

She was found guilty following a jury trial.

Corey Breininger, Hawkey’s stepson, testified at Hawkey’s trial. Corey was described as now 20 at the time of later reporting, and was expected to not be charged in his father’s death.

A prosecutor’s description of the evidence included that Hawkey caused “an innocent or irresponsible person” to commit the slaying.

The jury trial resulted in a conviction on:

• aggravated murder
• insurance fraud
• four counts of endangering children

Sentencing

On December 18, 2013, Judge Joseph Schmenk sentenced Judith Hawkey to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

At sentencing, Judge Joseph Schmenk described Hawkey as “evil beyond description.”

Hawkey showed no remorse during sentencing and continued to deny her actions, according to court witnesses.

Corey Breininger addressed the court, and later described his feelings as relief. During sentencing-related reporting, Corey told the court:

"The pain you have put me through should send you straight to hell,"

Hawkey was quoted denying culpability in court:

"He [Corey] shot his father purposely, and made up this whole story,"

Hawkey also said:

Appeals

No appeal information was included.

Outcome

Judith Hawkey was sentenced to life in prison without parole on December 18, 2013.

Aftermath

Corey Breininger described relief after the sentencing and stated he could “stop living in the shadows” and “not have to worry about anything now.” Corey said:

'[I can] stop living in the shadows. I don't have to worry about anything now. My biggest fear... she's gone,'

After sentencing, Corey described feelings about Hawkey in reporting as follows:

'Relief', Breininger said as he describes his feelings to reporters after the sentencing. 'I feel like she got what she deserved,' he said. 'I was ready to get it off my chest. I was bearing that burden for so many years.'

Hawkey’s attorney declined to comment on the charges.

Authorities previously said Hawkey tortured and abused the boy for over three or four years when he was between the ages of seven and 10.

Morris Murray stated:

"It was claimed at that time, that it was an accident shooting involving a young boy, and that's the way the matter was left,"

and further stated:

"The information on what caused the investigation to be reopened as a homicide is not something I can comment on publicly,"

and:

Prosecutor Morris Murray said additional information led to the indictment and that evidence suggested Hawkey caused “an innocent or irresponsible person” to commit the slaying.

Other details

• Defiance County Prosecutor Morris Murray was associated with statements about the investigation and charges.
• Hawkey was indicted earlier in the year and faced trial in Defiance County Common Pleas Court.
• The homicide-related investigation included Defiance County Sheriff’s Office and a Crimes against Children Task Force contact number was provided in one report: 419-784-1155 and 419-243-6122.