Mississippi Teen Faces Charges for Killing Elderly Couple

A Mississippi teenager, accused of killing an elderly couple in their home, had prior encounters with law enforcement. Authorities had named him a suspect in multiple burglaries and car thefts in the area, according to a report obtained by Fox News Digital.

Incident Report Details

Billy Blair, 74, and his wife, Virginia Carol Blair, 71, allegedly fell victim to Cordarius Hobbs, 17, when he broke into their home in Mendenhall, Mississippi, on June 3. During a preliminary hearing in July, family members revealed that Hobbs had previously worked for the Blairs, doing tasks like cleaning.

An incident report from the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department describes Hobbs as a “troubled juvenile” who is suspected of involvement in several other local crimes.

“…When we first arrived I and other Deputies and Investigators believe the suspect could be a troubled juvenile known to us as Cordarius Hobbs who is also suspected of many other home burglaries as well as auto theft in this immediate area,” the report states.

Family’s Perspective

Billy Newsome, Hobbs’ grandfather, believes his grandson was called to work on the day of the incident, and he maintains Hobbs’ innocence.

“My grandson used to work for the man, why you gone rob a man that you work for,” Newsome stated. “Why you gone stay there that long and you know the police out there, and then you gone wait until everybody gets there to run, it just ain’t adding up, something just ain’t right here.”

Details of the Crime Scene

On June 3, contractors arrived at the Blairs’ home to install a generator. They discovered a car door open with several guns piled on the seats and contacted law enforcement at 11:30 a.m.

By noon, officers arrived, only to be met with gunfire, leading to a standoff lasting nearly two hours. Hobbs was apprehended while attempting to flee, though he was unarmed when caught.

Inside the home, investigators found Carol Blair in a bedroom, shot three times in the back of the head. Her husband was discovered in the kitchen with three gunshot wounds to his face.

Defense Attorney’s Statement

Hobbs’ defense attorney, Zachary Vaughn, described his client as respectful and courteous in their meetings.

“I have visited with my client several times in the short time I’ve known him and he has always been very respectful and courteous to me,” Vaughn stated.

There is a lack of direct forensic evidence linking Hobbs to the shooting, according to Vaughn. He mentioned the manner of the shooting suggests the possibility of another individual being involved.

“There was nothing to say he’s a principal, he’s the one that pulled the trigger on these things,” Vaughn said. “There’s a lot of things that are possible, just a tremendous amount of things.”

Legal Proceedings

Hobbs is charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of burglary, besides 10 other charges. He remains in custody without bond.

The Blairs’ family expressed their heartbreak in a Facebook statement, saying, “We are crushed in spirit, bruised, and brokenhearted, but we are not alone.”