This week on February 2, 2026, the results of the investigation into the shooting deaths of Christina Denise Hawkins and Isaiah Thomas Hawkins were presented to the Overton County Grand Jury. After hearing testimony from investigators, the Grand Jury issued a True Bill of Indictment against PAYTON WAYNE NATIONS, age 27, charging him with two counts of First Degree Murder. The Grand Jury found sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that NATIONS committed these crimes.

This case will now proceed forward in the Criminal Court of Overton County, Tennessee. It has been placed on the docket for February 23, 2026 for the defendant to be arraigned.

On September 14, 2026, Overton County deputies responded to a residence in Rickman where the bodies of the victims were found outside the residence. At the request of District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation joined the investigation. Both agencies worked together to develop the investigation.

Nations had initially fled the scene but was later found and arrested and brought before the General Sessions Court. He has been held in custody since his arrest.