Flag Football Player Jailed for Killing Rival Who Scored Winning TD
A Washington, D.C., man has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for fatally shooting a rival during a flag football game in 2021.
Antonio Hawley, a 23-year-old man from Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Aaron Wiggins during a flag football game at Watkins Elementary School in October 2021. The incident occurred following a scrimmage between two teams, with tensions escalating due to verbal taunts between Wiggins and members of Hawley's team after Wiggins scored the winning touchdown.
After the game concluded, Hawley retrieved a handgun from a teammate and fired 17 shots at Wiggins, striking him 13 times. Wiggins died at the scene. Wiggins' girlfriend testified at trial, providing an emotional account of the shooting. Hawley was convicted on February 3, 2026, of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.
Judge Danya Dayson ordered the 32-year prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro emphasized the severity of the case, stating that the incident showcased how a friendly rivalry had resulted in murder. She expressed sympathy for Wiggins' family, while acknowledging that the sentence could not alleviate their loss.
The Metropolitan Police Department credited the investigation team and highlighted Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jin Park and Mark Levy for their role in prosecuting Hawley.
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