brian Moser, here being escorted into the courtroom at his initial arraignment earlier this month, he faces a 10-count indictment that includes a charge of murder. (Photo by Ryan Applegate)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The criminal cases against Tien Lynn Hawkins and Brian Moser continue to move through the Adams County Court of Common Pleas, with newly scheduled hearings and jury trials now appearing on the docket. Both defendants face serious felony charges stemming from the death of a two-year-old girl and the alleged abuse of other children under their care.
Hawkins, who has been indicted on eight felony counts, is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. before Judge Brett Spencer. A final pretrial conference is set for September 3, 2025, at 2 p.m., with a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 29, 2025, at 9 a.m.
The charges against Hawkins include murder, involuntary manslaughter, multiple counts of permitting child abuse, and endangering children. The indictment alleges that between April 1 and July 2 of this year, Hawkins, as the custodial parent, permitted the ongoing abuse that led to her daughter’s death by asphyxiation and caused serious harm to additional children. Hawkins was initially arrested with Moser on July 1 for child endangerment but was released the next day pending further investigation. Following autopsy results confirming the cause of death, she was re-indicted and arraigned on July 11. Her bond was set at $500,000 with a 10 percent option.
Brian Moser, who is facing ten felony charges, including murder, involuntary manslaughter, and several counts of child endangerment, had initial hearings set for August but those have now been continued. A July 17 docket entry indicates that both Moser’s August 1 final pretrial and August 25 jury trial were canceled. New hearing dates are now scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. for final pretrial and March 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. for a jury trial. Moser entered a not guilty plea through his appointed attorney, C. Nicholas Ring, and has requested discovery materials, a bill of particulars, and notice of any intent by the prosecution to use specific evidence. His bond remains set at $1,000,000.
The cases are being prosecuted by Adams County Prosecutor Aaron Haslam. Hawkins is represented by Amanda Burgess, while Moser is represented by Ring. Both defendants have been ordered to have no contact with the surviving children and remain in custody unless bond is posted under court-approved conditions.
The continued progression of these cases, which involve allegations of long-term abuse and the death of a young child, has left a deep impact on the community. Adams County, known for its strong ties among families and neighbors, continues to grapple with the emotional weight of this tragedy. As the judicial process unfolds, the community remains focused on accountability, justice, and healing in the aftermath of a case that has shaken the public to its core.
