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US Marshals say “Zombie Mike,” wanted for rape, could be in Virginia

Posted at 10:29 PM, Apr 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-07 23:08:55-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- The US Marshals Service says the alarming similarity in two serious crimes where women were raped while they slept, is the hallmark of suspect Michael Steven Hawkins, also known as “Zombie Mike.”

The 29-year-old has ties to Virginia and federal agents are hoping someone watching knows where he is and turns him in.

He's wanted for raping two women in New York. One of the victims was confined to a wheelchair and mentally challenged.

"In 2012 this guy raped a mentally challenged girl. She was in a wheelchair,” said Brian Stalnaker, a deputy US Marshal. “The family had invited him in and when everyone went to sleep, he raped her."

Police said he disappeared, before showing up at a friend’s house under their radar.

"A year later, he raped his best friend’s wife," said Stalnaker.

That incident took place on November 8, 2013. Hawkins allegedly sexually assaulted the wife of a friend, who had invited Hawkins to his Rotterdam, New York, home for a family gathering.

In this case, he was charged with first-degree rape.

Michael Hawkins (PHOTO: U.S. Marshals)

Michael Hawkins (PHOTO: U.S. Marshals)

US Marshals said Mike Hawkins is a survivalist, who can live off the land for long periods of time. They want you to focus on his picture, saying even how he smelled and some of his tattoos may be the clue they need.

"Friends named him that because of his hygiene habits,” Stalnaker said. “He's very dirty, said he could eat scraps and live off the land. He's known to panhandle, so take a good look at those who you are giving your money to."

Marshals believe a job at a traveling carnival brought Hawkins to Virginia several times in recent years, and they’re hoping someone in the area has talked or worked with him and can help the feds with an important timeline.

Michael Steven Hawkins, also known as “Zombie Mike”

Michael Steven Hawkins, also known as “Zombie Mike”

They believe he also has personal ties in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, California and Florida.

"New York is trying to get tips about him because of his past up and down the east coast," said Stalnaker.

There's a $5,000 reward in this case. With summer coming up, Marshals said he may work outside without a shirt on.

Hawkins physical characteristics include a 1 ½ inch scar on his face and a noticeable chest tattoo of the grim reaper.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or email: usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.

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