A Virginia woman has been arrested months after the death of her husband, with authorities alleging she poisoned him using horse tranquilizer and insulin while being captured on audio and video admitting to the killing, according to the Russell County Sheriff's Office.
Background
James Matthew Hawkins died on November 21, 2025, at a hospice facility in Tennessee. According to court documents obtained by local NBC affiliate WCYB, an informant contacted authorities months after his death, claiming Amanda Christina Hawkins had admitted to killing her husband. The informant told police they heard Amanda Hawkins confess to giving James Hawkins horse tranquilizer and insulin before he died, and that she later had his body cremated.
When investigators followed up on the tip, they recorded conversations with Amanda Hawkins as part of their probe. In the recordings, she allegedly stated she poisoned her husband with both substances days before his death.
Police also interviewed a physician familiar with James Hawkins' case, who reported that he was experiencing symptoms consistent with an insulin overdose in the time leading up to his passing at the hospice facility.
The Investigation
Amanda Hawkins was interviewed by police on June 15. During questioning, she allegedly confessed to poisoning her husband and confirmed she had obtained both substances days before his death, according to authorities.
She reportedly admitted to having James Hawkins' body cremated after he died, a detail that raised further suspicion among investigators given the unusual circumstances surrounding his passing.
The Russell County Sheriff's Office investigation uncovered evidence suggesting both insulin and horse tranquilizer—known chemically as xylazine—were used in the alleged poisoning. The case presented unique forensic challenges due to the combination of substances allegedly administered over multiple days before James Hawkins' death.
The Charges
Amanda Christina Hawkins, 45, was charged with first-degree murder under Virginia law, which carries severe penalties upon conviction. She also faces two counts of distribution of Schedule II controlled substances and one count of money laundering, according to the Russell County Sheriff's Office press release.
The additional drug distribution charges stem from allegations that she obtained the controlled substances—insulin being a prescription medication and horse tranquilizer having no legitimate medical use in humans—with intent to distribute them for illicit purposes.
She is currently being held at the Abingdon Regional Jail without bond pending her criminal proceedings. The court has scheduled her next appearance for August 19, when preliminary hearing or arraignment proceedings are expected to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- James Matthew Hawkins died on November 21, 2025, at a Tennessee hospice facility after allegedly being poisoned with horse tranquilizer and insulin by his wife
- Amanda Christina Hawkins was recorded on audio and video allegedly confessing to poisoning her husband days before his death
- A physician familiar with the case told police that James Hawkins exhibited symptoms of insulin overdose before he died
- She confessed during a June 15 police interview after an informant came forward months earlier
- Amanda Hawkins reportedly admitted she had her husband's body cremated following his death
- She faces first-degree murder charges, two counts of distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, and money laundering
What's Next
Amanda Christina Hawkins remains in custody at the Abingdon Regional Jail without bond. Her next scheduled court date is August 19.
The case is expected to proceed through preliminary hearing proceedings where prosecutors will present evidence supporting the charges. Defense attorneys have not yet publicly commented on the allegations.
Investigators continue to examine toxicology reports and medical records as they prepare for potential trial proceedings in Russell County Circuit Court.