UPDATE: The person of interest in the Oct. 16 murder of angler Gregg Hawkins in Rutherford County has been identified thanks to area media and many citizens who called in the tips to RCSO Detective Kyle Norrod (pronounced NOR-odd).

Detective Norrod has verified the person of interest is no longer a suspect, as the person was in a mid-state county jail the day of the murder.

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office appreciates the many calls and reminds everyone to call Norrod at 615-904-3043 if they know anything about this senseless murder.

Past News Story:

During this Christmas season, one local family pleas, "Help us find dad's murderer." 53-year old Gregg Hawkins of Murfreesboro had enjoyed a morning of fishing with his daughter on Stones River at Percy Priest Lake. Dad went to get the truck and was going to back it to the ramp and load the boat.

While Gregg was nearing his vehicle in the Mona Boat Ramp parking lot, deputies believe he came across an auto burglary in progress. He was shot and killed in the parking lot while interrupting a burglary. His murder remains unsolved.

It was mid-morning, around 10:30 or 11:00, on Friday, October 16th--so it should have been easy to see a suspect fleeing the scene.

Fisherman Gregg Hawkins didn't deserve to die when he interrupted a burglary.

Up To $40,000 Reward

Widow Janet Hawkins, her family and friends raised funds for a reward to find out who killed her husband. They are offering a reward up to $40,000 leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect or suspects who killed her husband. People who have information are asked to call the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigations Division at 615-898-7916 or Detective Kyle Norrod at 615-904-3043.

During an emotional plea Thursday (12/3/2015), Janet Hawkins and her daughters, Brandi Hawkins and Logan LaRese, and brother-in-law, Darren Hawkins, wore shirts reading, "Justice for Gregg." They pleaded for information about Gregg Hawkins' murder.

"I wasn't finished being his wife and I need your help," Janet Hawkins said. "I've got to bring justice to this."

Daughter Brandi Hawkins could barely speak about her father's death.

"I don't want anyone else to have to feel the pain, the trauma and just the absence of someone who means so much," Brandi Hawkins said through tears.

Darren Hawkins said he worked with his brother 23 years at Nissan.

"I'd like to ask this person how they could take the life of an innocent man," Darren Hawkins said. "There's not an answer they could give to justify this."

The brothers were close.

"This person or persons who murdered my brother, their father, her husband, are no different than a terrorist," Darren Hawkins said. "I'd just like to know if someone has any information to please notify the Sheriff's Department so we can have justice for this murder."

Someone has to know about this murder, Darren Hawkins said. The murderer is still out there.

Janet Hawkins said her husband was a giver who hadn't finished giving in his life.

"We need your help," Janet Hawkins said. "We need anyone's help, anything, please call the Sheriff's Department. Please help us. We owe Gregg that. He wouldn't want them out there hurting anyone else."

Do You Recognize Man In Photo?

Sheriff's Detective Kyle Norrod said detectives are seeking help to identify a person of interest in this investigation. The man in this photo is suspected of being involved in car burglaries and credit card fraud near the area where the homicide occurred.

Detectives would like to identify this man so that they can speak with him in regards to his activities. If you know or think you know the male in these videos, please contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 615-898-7916 or 615-904-3043. Callers may remain anonymous.

RCSO Detectives Need Information

· People who have talked about knowing details on the case.

· Descriptions of people who might have been seen entering or leaving the boat dock between 10:30 and 11AM on Friday morning, October 16th.

· Descriptions of anyone acting suspicious in the area that day or a vehicle speeding or driving recklessly.