A tragic incident claimed the life of Brianna Nicole Hawkins, a vibrant 21-year-old from Fulton, Missouri, on January 4, 2026. The young woman succumbed to gunshot wounds at University of Missouri Hospital following a violent shooting at The Greens apartment complex on Clark Lane in Columbia, leaving her family, friends, and the broader community reeling from the sudden and senseless loss.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, when multiple reports of gunfire drew a swift response from Columbia Police and supporting agencies, including the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Three individuals were found with life-threatening injuries from gunfire, and authorities later classified the case as domestic violence related. James Lamont Caldwell Jr., 23, also of Fulton, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and armed criminal action in connection with the shootings.
Born on August 19, 2004, in Columbia, Missouri, to Wade Hawkins and his family, Brianna grew up in a region that blended small-town familiarity with proximity to university life. At just 21, she was navigating the promises of young adulthood, building connections in both Fulton and Columbia through friendships that brought light and laughter into her days.
Friends who knew Brianna closely remembered her as an extraordinary soul, full of warmth and humor that could brighten any moment. One close friend, who had shared three years of memories with her, described her as amazingly beautiful inside and out, with a deep love for animals and a genuine passion for helping others. Brianna dreamed of becoming a nurse, envisioning a career dedicated to caring for people in their most vulnerable times, while also aspiring to own her home and build a stable, joyful life filled with independence and happiness.
Though not romantically linked to the suspect, Brianna was friends with the other individuals involved in the shooting, underscoring how the violence touched a tight circle of acquaintances unexpectedly. Her kindness extended naturally to those around her, whether through shared laughs or quiet support, creating bonds that felt authentic and enduring. In a world that often rushes past simple connections, Brianna stood out for her relatable sweetness and the way she made others feel truly valued.
Brianna Nicole Hawkins’s brief life, cut short in such tragic circumstances, serves as a poignant tribute to the potential and goodness that young people carry within them. Her aspirations to heal others as a nurse, her affection for animals, and her dreams of a fulfilling future highlight a heart oriented toward compassion and growth. Though her absence leaves an aching void for her family and friends, the memories of her vibrant spirit and loving nature will endure as a reminder of a life that, despite its brevity, touched many with genuine light and promise.