A 17-year-old, Cordarius Hobbs, faces serious charges after allegedly breaking into a home and killing an elderly couple in Mendenhall, Mississippi. The incident occurred on June 3, when the suspect reportedly broke into the home of 74-year-old Billy Blair and his 71-year-old wife, Virginia Carol Blair.
The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at around 12:24 p.m., alerted by family members unable to contact the couple. Upon arrival, deputies encountered gunfire. Bailey Martin, spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety, stated that there was an active burglary at the site, with deputies and civilians trapped by the gunfire.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey reported that the suspect initially appeared to cooperate, indicating he would surrender at the front door. Instead, he fled through the back, prompting a chase. During the chase, one deputy was injured. Hobbs was apprehended after being shot by a Mississippi state trooper and received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Hobbs now faces multiple charges: two counts of capital murder, one count of burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, and two counts of aggravated assault of a person over 65 years old.
The family’s statement on Facebook expressed grief and heartbreak, stating, “We are crushed in spirit, bruised, and brokenhearted, but we are not alone.”
Jason Busby, a friend of the Blairs, described them as selfless and kind, remarks shared with WLBT. “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,” Busby said, highlighting the shock experienced by the community.
For further information, Adam Sabes, a reporter for Fox News Digital, can be contacted at his email [email protected] or via Twitter @asabes10.