The trial for a Pittsburgh man accused of killing a North Hills honors student at a Strip District restaurant ended in a mistrial on Thursday after a police officer referenced the defendant’s previous criminal record.
A new trial date for Howard Hawkins is scheduled for Jan. 13 before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Beth A. Lazzara.
Hawkins, 49, is accused of killing Ahmir Tuli, 18, on Feb. 21, 2021, outside of Preeti’s Pitt on Penn Avenue.
Tuli worked as a cook at his family’s business. He was on a break when, police said, Hawkins shot him after being kicked out 15 minutes earlier.
During opening statements on Monday, the prosecution said that Hawkins had been drunk and disorderly that night and was ejected by a person working security. The bouncer told police Hawkins started to walk away, but then returned to where he and Tuli were standing, stretched out his arm and fired one shot at Tuli’s head.
The defense in their opening said that jurors should use their common sense and hold the prosecution to proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
As the trial unfolded, a police officer testifying referenced Hawkins’ previous criminal history and his state identification number. Court records show that Hawkins has convictions for aggravated assault and drug charges in his past.
Defense attorney Ashley Cagle asked the judge to declare a mistrial on Wednesday afternoon.
Judge Lazzara gave prosecutors time to research the issue, but without compelling argument to sway her, she granted the request Thursday morning.