"Shocking news tonight as the Senator of Ord Mantell was found dead in the early hours of the morning. According to local law enforcement, construction workers found the Senator's body facedown in a junkyard near Worlport wharf and immediately reported the corpse to authorities. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Senator had been murdered—shot multiple times and burned beyond recognition.
"Authorities are at a loss and currently have no leads or suspects, although it is believed to be the handiwork of the Syndicates or possibly even the Hutt Cartel—the latter of which recently (according to some reports) took control of the planet's underworld.
"After Senator Hawthorne's family was murdered by the Black Sun, he was left an orphan and made it his life's mission to drive the Black Sun out of the Heart of the Bright Jewel, although he himself was rumored to have connections to the Five Syndicates.
"At twenty years old, he was one of the youngest senators to ever be elected on Ord Mantell, further driving the rumors of his underworld connections. Colleagues and close friends of the former Senator say he was ambitious and hard-working. An avid pilot, he was never happier than when he was behind the controls of a ship.
Senator Hawthorne (left) with a fan after Senate Sessions on Onderon
"This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of New Republic Supreme Chancellor Emil Ro, tragically murdered in his apartment on Coruscant at the hands of an unknown assailant. Both crimes remained unsolved at this time, and many fear for the future of the New Republic and the Free Worlds Alliance.
"Will new leadership rise to meet the challenge on Ord Mantell or will the planet be abandoned to the Syndicates and Cartels?"
Elora Trevino stopped, raising a finger to the earpiece tucked behind her hair. "This just in... Senator Hawthorne was not found lying facedown in a junk yard because he had been decapitated and authorities have been unable to locate the head. Oh. Oh." An awkward silence followed. "We'll be right back after this commercial break."
tags: @Charles @Mockingjay
