South Georgia Mother Dies Days After Discovering Son Beaten to Death in Suspected Hate Crime

Tasha Lawson, a devoted mother, died just 11 days after discovering the lifeless body of her 20-year-old son, Tee’Andrick Lawson, who was allegedly beaten to death in what the family believes was a hate-fueled attack.

On April 2, while Tasha was out of town, intruders reportedly broke into their home and assaulted Tee’Andrick. When the mother returned, she found her son dead in his bedroom. Less than two weeks later, on April 13, Tasha passed away while receiving treatment at Waycross Hospital.

According to medical officials, the cause of death was ruled natural: aortic dissection rupture, hypertensive, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

However, her family believes the real cause was far more emotional than clinical — they say she died of a broken heart.

“She Couldn’t Bear the Pain”

Loved ones say Tasha and Tee’Andrick shared an unbreakable bond. The two were best friends, inseparable in every sense of the word. According to a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses and clean the young man’s room, Tasha’s health rapidly declined after finding her son’s body.

“The pain of losing her son was too much for her heart to bear, and just days later, she passed away from sheer heartbreak,” the family wrote. They described Tee’Andrick as “a loving, funny, and free-spirited young man who lit up every room with laughter, energy, and warmth.”

Suspected Hate Crime

As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Tee’Andrick’s death, the family believes the assault was motivated by his sexual orientation.

The case has raised broader concerns about violence targeting Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Data from the FBI’s 2023 hate crimes report shows a 23% increase in attacks based on sexual orientation. Further studies from the Williams Institute at UCLA found that 44% of Black LGBTQ+ people reported experiencing physical or sexual assault at some point in their lives.

Despite these alarming statistics, advocates say many of these crimes go unreported or unprosecuted.

A Family Grieving and Seeking Justice

As the Lawson family mourns two unimaginable losses, they are also left seeking answers and accountability. No arrests have been announced as of press time, and the community is calling on local authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and explore possible hate crime charges.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in online for both Tasha and Tee’Andrick, whose deaths have touched hearts far beyond their Georgia town.

“They were each other’s world,” a relative said. “Now they’re gone — together, too soon.”