PITTSBURGH — More than four years after honor student Ahmir Tuli was murdered outside his mother’s restaurant, the man who police say pulled the trigger is now on trial for a second time.
Howard Hawkins’ first murder trial ended in a mistrial.
Family members of 18-year-old North Hills graduate Ahmir Tuli filled one side of the courtroom today. The other side was filled with supporters for Howard Hawkins, the man accused of murdering the teen.
It’s the second time in a year that friends and family of both the victim and defendant gathered at the courthouse. Hawkins’ first trial ended in a mistrial after a police officer mentioned his prior criminal record, which is not allowed during a trial.
During opening statements, the assistant district attorney told the jury Ahmir was working at his mom’s restaurant, Preeti’s Pit, as a line cook on the night he was killed in 2021. That night, prosecutors say security kicked Hawkins out of the bar, and he then got a gun from his car.
Not long after, Ahmir went outside for a break, and prosecutors say Hawkins shot him in the head, then walked away from the scene.
According to prosecutors, one of the security guards at the restaurant saw the shooting and identified Hawkins to the police.
In the opening statement by Hawkins’ defense attorney, Casey White, he cast doubt on the security guard’s version of the night, insinuating she wasn’t completely sure who the shooter was.
The defense also told the jury that there aren’t any fingerprints, DNA evidence, or a motive that ties Hawkins to Ahmir’s murder.
Months after the shooting, US Marshals picked up Hawkins across the country and brought him back here to Allegheny County.
Police also charged his girlfriend, Chayla Robinson, with helping Hawkins escape. Her trial is scheduled for November.
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