Hawk in court on tragic anniversary

Published online on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008

Dave Hawk appeared in Kings County Superior Court on Friday, the two-year anniversary of the disappearance of his former wife Debbie Hawk.

The pre-trial hearing was postponed until July 7 for Dave Hawk, charged last month with killing Debbie Hawk.

Dave Hawk's attorney, Mark Coleman, said he requested the delay because he needs additional time to review more than 4,000 pages of evidence from prosecutors.

Coleman said he also plans to ask the court to release Hawk on bail and seek a change of venue if the case goes to trial.

"I don't believe, given the publicity of this case, he can receive a fair trial," Coleman said.

Deputy District Attorney Larry Crouch said he was unsure when a preliminary hearing would take place. Hawk pleaded not guilty May 30 to first-degree murder in the killing of Debbie Hawk.

"The defense is in the driver's seat in the timing of the preliminary hearing," Crouch said. "They can insist on a speedy preliminary hearing if they want to."

Prosecutors also agreed Friday to return several computers seized during a search of Hawk's home last year.

In a separate case, Hawk is also facing charges of embezzling more than $300,000 from his children's trust funds.

On Friday in the courtroom, several of Debbie Hawk's friends reflected on the two-year anniversary of her disappearance.

Debbie Hawk, a 46-year-old pharmaceutical sales representative, was reported missing after her children returned to her Hanford home after a visit with their father. The house showed signs of a bloody struggle.

"Truthfully, it's hard to believe its been two years. I miss her every day," friend Teresa Voyles said. "I'm just pleased to see the case is moving forward."

The reporter can be reached at elacayo@fresnobee.com or (559) 622-2421.