In Florida, a woman claims she fatally shot her ex-husband in self-defense after he allegedly threatened her life and attempted to strangle her. She reportedly told law enforcement, “it was me or him,” according to police statements.

Laura Hawks, aged 55, recounted that her ex-husband, Jason Hawks, 48, advanced towards her with the intent to choke her. In response, she used a revolver, which she had secretly taken from him the previous day, to defend herself. This account comes from a report by local ABC affiliate WCJB, citing the Levy County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release from the police, a juvenile present at the former couple’s residence in Williston called emergency services after discovering Jason Hawks deceased inside the home.

The release further reveals that detectives uncovered a long history of domestic violence between Laura and Jason. Laura reportedly informed detectives that she had armed herself with Jason’s firearm the previous day. She admitted to shooting Jason multiple times as he entered the bedroom they shared.

As reported by WCJB, Laura Hawks allegedly told officers she had hidden the revolver beneath a pillow and used it when her ex-husband moved towards her. She stated she initially shot him in the abdomen and fired additional shots aiming to “put him out of his misery,” according to the police report.

Laura Hawks reportedly stayed by her ex-husband’s side as he succumbed to his injuries over several hours, providing him with water and tea but refusing to seek medical assistance, according to police accounts.

“Evidence indicated Jason did not immediately succumb to his injuries and lay bleeding inside the residence for several hours,” the police press release says. “Laura made no effort to call for emergency service to render aid or report the shooting. She instead covered his remains with clothing to conceal him.”

After he died, Laura Hawks allegedly told cops she hid Jason Hawks’ body under a pile of clothes and made plans to bury him in the backyard before the juvenile found him.

“She intended to bury him in the backyard to avoid arrest,” the police press release says.

Laura Hawks was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, failure to report a death, and evidence tampering. She was booked into the Levy County Jail and is being held without bond.