Ramona Man Admits: ‘I Deeply Regret Killing My Friend

A man convicted of killing his friend in Ramona, California, United States, was sentenced to 47 years to life in state prison on Tuesday. Sean Joseph Hawksworth, 26, was found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges for the death of 26-year-old Eduardo Aguilar Alba.

The killing occurred on October 20, 2023, inside Alba’s home on 16th Street. Prosecutors said Hawksworth shot Alba in the head while he was asleep. After the murder, Hawksworth allegedly stole Alba’s car and clothing items.

Attempts to Cover Up the Crime

Authorities stated that Hawksworth returned to Alba’s home several times in the days following the murder, reportedly in an attempt to cover up his involvement. Items stolen from Alba were later recovered from a storage unit rented by Hawksworth.

Arrest and Conviction

Hawksworth was arrested on November 3, 2023, at his Ramona residence. Following a trial, an El Cajon jury convicted him of first-degree murder along with additional charges related to the case.

Sentencing Details

Superior Court Judge Patricia Cookson handed down the sentence, emphasizing the “high degree of callousness” involved in Hawksworth’s theft of the victim’s property and his efforts to conceal the crime. During the sentencing hearing, Hawksworth addressed the victim’s family, offering his condolences. “Eddie was my friend. I never foresaw this happening when I met him,” Hawksworth said. “I never wanted this to happen.”

The case underscores both the violent nature of the crime and the subsequent steps taken by law enforcement to recover stolen property and bring the suspect to justice. Hawksworth’s sentence of 47 years to life ensures he will spend the remainder of his life in state prison.