Sullivan Man Charged With Murdering Nephew

A Sullivan man has been charged in the murder of his nephew September 18 at a residence on Pipeline Road in Washington County. 

William D Hanks has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

He is being held on a $1 million bond.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, William Hanks shot his nephew, Randall Hanks.

The probable cause statement says that Randall Hanks’ body was found in a cabin on the property, which was shared by him, William Hanks and Curtis Hanks, Randall’s father.

Randall Hanks had gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.

William and Randall began yelling at each other outside the home shared by William and Curtis. 

William allegedly fired a pistol at the victim as he approached him on a porch. 

Randall was unarmed. 

He had taken out his pistol and set it on a table next to the house.

After Randall had been shot, he retrieved his gun and went to the cabin where he later died from his injuries.

The probable cause statement says William fired his gun at Randall until he was out of ammo.