Homicide Suspected in Wright County Man's Death

The Wright County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Tuesday that the death of a 63-year-old Annandale man, discovered by authorities Sunday, March 27, was a homicide. 

Annandale Police and Fire Departments were both called to the residence of DeVan Hawkinson, age 63, of 74 Honeysuckle Lane, around 3:42 p.m. Sunnday after they were paged by Wright County Dispatch for a possible structure fire. 

Upon arrival, firefighters found Hawkinson, the owner and sole occupant of the home, deceased. 

Hawkinson was taken to Buffalo where the medical examiner's office performed a preliminary autopsy. Results released Thursday said the examiner dtermined the cause of death to be a homicide. 

Wright County Sheriff's Deputies said the incident "remains under investigation," and is not releasing any other information at this time. Deputies and Annadale Police Officers searched the home, which was burned, Tuesday and have roped off the scene. 

It's the county's first murder investigation since 2007, when a Montrose woman was murdered in her home by Jeremy Brooks and accomplice Coty Martinez.

Annandale is about 24 miles west of St. Michael on Minnesota Highway 55.

The family of DeVan Hawkinson released a statement Thursday, asking the public to respect their privacy in this "difficult time." 

Wright County is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call 763-682-7733.