Man originally charged with murder at Lake of the Ozarks bar gets probation for assault

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who had been charged with felony murder in a 2021 shooting death of a Lake Ozark bar was sentenced this week to probation after taking a plea deal.

Craig B. Hawkins Jr. of Columbia pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree assault in connection with the death of Vonza Watson on May 29, 2021, at Lazy Gators in Camden County. The man accused of firing the shot that killed Watson, Chad Brewer, pleaded guilty to manslaughter last September and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Hawkins was accused of being part of the fight that preceded the shooting. His guilty plea says he intentionally tried to seriously injure Watson by hitting him.

Hawkins' four-year prison sentence was suspended and he was put on five years of probation. He could be sent to prison if he violates probation.