Authorities in Mississippi report that a teenager allegedly broke into an elderly couple’s home and killed them before engaging in a standoff with law enforcement. The suspect, Cordarius Hobbs, 17, purportedly entered the home of 74-year-old Billy Blair and 71-year-old Virginia Carol Blair in Mendenhall, Mississippi, on June 3. The incident was reported by local outlet WLBT.
The Simpson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at the couple’s home around 12:24 p.m. after family members were unable to contact them. Upon arrival, the deputies encountered gunfire. Public Safety spokesperson Bailey Martin revealed that a burglary was occurring when the deputies reached the scene, and both officers and civilians nearby were under gunfire.
Despite claims by Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey that Hobbs would surrender at the front door, the suspect ran out of the back, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, a deputy was shot. Hobbs was eventually apprehended after sustaining a non-life-threatening gunshot wound from a Mississippi state trooper and was subsequently hospitalized.
The suspect now faces multiple charges, including two counts of capital murder and one count of burglary. Additionally, he is charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, and two counts of aggravated assault on victims aged over 65.
“We are crushed in spirit, bruised, and brokenhearted, but we are not alone,” the family expressed in a statement on Facebook.
Jason Busby, a friend of the Blairs, described them as selfless individuals, stating, “The man would’ve given you the shirt off his back, his wife is the same, and they’re just great people. It’s just a tragedy.” He further noted the shock felt by the community, emphasizing their positive impact.
For further information, contact reporter Adam Sabes at [email protected] or on Twitter @asabes10.