Attorney: Hawkins, Sr. falsely accused

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The attorneys for Travis Hawkins, Sr. spoke Tuesday, Nov. 27, concerning allegations surrounding Hawkins, Sr.

According to his attorneys, Hawkins, Sr. has been falsely accused of participating in the assault perpetrated by Travis Hawkins, Jr., and failing to act promptly.

"They spent the day (together), had a nice Thanksgiving Day. At the end of the day and with no warning, Travis Jr. attacked Mallory. When he did, Travis Sr. intervened as promptly has he could,” said Burns.

Mallory Owens' mother, Kristi Taylor, said she disagrees. She told FOX10 News her daughter was attacked because of her sexual orientation and that the Hawkins family stood by and let it happen.

"Oh, yes, I know they don't approve of it. This isn't the first time he has attacked Mallory. This is the second time. The first time he attacked her with a pipe and hit her in the back of the head and on the back a few times. People stepped in to help then," said Taylor.

His attorneys said both accusations are absolutely untrue.

“They had invited Mallory to spend Thanksgiving Day with them because they were bringing her into their family,” said Burns.

Owens said she doesn’t remember much about the fight. But she said she does not believe her mother’s claims.

“I don't see that happening. I don't see them sitting there and watching me get beat. I don't think that,” said Owens.

Burns said the family disapproved of Owens in the past, but it had to do with her "conduct" not her sexual orientation.

"As a person, Mallory is a very likeable person. We care for her very much. Junior was instructed clearly if he had any problems that, he was to not come to Thanksgiving,” said Hawkins, Sr.

Hawkins, Sr. said he has spoken with his son.

"He’s really broken up. He has realized, I think, at this point, the gravity of what he has done,” said Burns.

Burns said Owens is recuperating at the Hawkins home.