Pauls Valley School Shooting Suspect Appears In Court For Preliminary Hearing

Pauls Valley School Shooting Suspect Appears In Court For Preliminary Hearing

The man accused of carrying out an attempted Pauls Valley High School shooting appeared in Garvin County District Court Thursday as prosecutors began presenting evidence to determine whether the case should move to trial.

Victor Lee Hawkins, 20, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after investigators say he entered Pauls Valley High School on April 7 armed with two loaded semiautomatic handguns and intended to carry out a mass casualty attack.

Pauls Valley High School Shooting Case Moves Forward

Thursday's preliminary hearing is designed to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to establish probable cause for the criminal case to proceed toward trial.

According to court records filed in Garvin County District Court, Hawkins is charged with one count of shooting with intent to kill, two counts of feloniously pointing a firearm, and two misdemeanor counts of carrying a weapon into a public assembly.

The most serious charge, shooting with intent to kill, carries the possibility of a life sentence if Hawkins is convicted.

During preliminary hearings, prosecutors typically call witnesses and present evidence supporting the charges before a judge determines whether the case should continue through the court system.

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Hawkins are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Principal Kirk Moore Stopped The Attack

According to investigators with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Hawkins entered the school's front lobby armed with two loaded semiautomatic pistols and allegedly intended to carry out what investigators described as a "Columbine"-style attack.

Authorities say Principal Kirk Moore, 60, immediately confronted Hawkins, tackling him before he could reach students and classrooms.

During the struggle, Moore was shot in the leg but continued restraining Hawkins with assistance from other school employees until law enforcement officers arrived.

Investigators have credited Moore's actions with preventing additional injuries and potentially saving numerous lives.

Following the incident, Pauls Valley High School students honored Moore by naming him their 2026 prom king, recognizing his courage during the attack.

Witness Testimony Continues In Garvin County Court

Local reports indicate prosecutors are expected to call Principal Moore, OSBI investigators and other witnesses to testify during the preliminary hearing as they outline the evidence supporting the charges.

The testimony will help the judge determine whether probable cause exists for Hawkins to stand trial on all five counts.

The case has drawn statewide attention since the April shooting because of Moore's actions and the quick response by school staff that authorities say prevented a much larger tragedy.

School safety remains a priority across Oklahoma, with the Oklahoma State Department of Education continuing to work with local districts and law enforcement agencies on campus security and emergency response planning.

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