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One pleads guilty in roadside beating

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By KYLE MARTIN, Hernando Today

Published: December 7, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - A teen accused of having a hand in the beating of a well-known figure on Hernando County's roads will be behind bars or on probation until he turns 21.

Anthony Hawkins, 17, made an unexpected move Thursday in Circuit Court by pleading guilty to three felony charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery and tampering with evidence.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a charge of principal to attempted murder.

Hawkins is one of three charged in connection with an attack on John Kelly, popularly known as "The Walker." Authorities say Hawkins, 23-year-old Michael Vann and Jamie Tyson, also 17, plotted to rob Kelly Sept. 19.

Kelly was attacked late that night as he walked along Cortez Boulevard, about a mile from Weeki Wachee Springs, and left badly beaten in a deep ditch outside the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative office, according to a report.

Authorities say the alleged assailants, who were arrested almost a week after Kelly was beaten, made off with $100.

On Thursday afternoon, Kelly's brother, George, was less than pleased about the plea bargain, which transfers custody of Hawkins over to the Department of Juvenile Justice until his 21st birthday. Hawkins was charged as an adult.

"I would rather they be left in a ditch like they did to my brother, to be honest," he said. "But I want to take the high road and let the legal system to its work."

Kelly spent five weeks in the intensive care unit with most of the bones in his face broken. Investigators say he was hit with sticks and fists.

His family said there were several times Kelly came close to dying, but has made a comeback in recent weeks.

After the long stay in St. Joseph's Hospital, Kelly was transferred to a private facility that cares for stroke patients. His family did not disclose the location because they still fear for Kelly's safety.

Every day he sees some improvement. Physical therapy has brought some hope that Kelly will walk again, though it's unlikely he will be doing it at night anymore, his brother said.

Plastic surgeons have reconstructed his face, though one eye still bulges out. Once Kelly's full beard comes in, though, the scars will be hidden.

Kelly will likely be transferred to a nursing home or similar facility within the next week or two. A total recovery and, eventually, a homecoming celebration is on the horizon, according to George Kelly.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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