A Mississippi teenager, Cordarius Hobbs, 17, is accused of murdering an elderly couple in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Local deputies knew him as a suspect in several burglaries and car thefts, according to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital.
Billy Blair, 74, and his wife Virginia Carol Blair, 71, allegedly died at the hands of Hobbs after he broke into their home on June 3. During a preliminary hearing in July, the teen’s family mentioned that Hobbs had worked for the couple by doing household chores before this incident.
The Simpson County Sheriff’s Department report describes Hobbs as a “troubled juvenile” involved in multiple local crimes.
“When we first arrived, other Deputies and Investigators believed the suspect could be a troubled juvenile known to us as Cordarius Hobbs, who is also suspected of many other home burglaries and auto thefts in this immediate area,” the report states.
Hobbs’ grandfather, Billy Newsome, believes his grandson may have been working for the Blairs on the day of the alleged shooting and insists on his innocence.
“My grandson used to work for the man; why would you rob someone you work for? Why would you stay there that long with police around, then wait until everyone shows up to run? It doesn’t add up,” Newsome said.
The charges against Hobbs include murder and several other felonies.
On June 3, contractors arrived at the Blairs’ residence to install a generator and noticed a car door ajar, guns piled on the seats. They alerted the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department for a welfare check at 11:30 a.m. By noon, officers who arrived faced gunshots, leading to a nearly two-hour standoff. Authorities captured Hobbs as he attempted to flee, noted to be unarmed.
Virginia Blair was found in the bedroom, shot three times in the back of her head. Her husband lay in the kitchen with three gunshot wounds to his face.
Hobbs’ defense attorney, Zachary Vaughn, stated that Hobbs has been respectful during their meetings.
“I have visited with my client several times and he has always been very respectful,” Vaughn explained.
Vaughn argued the lack of direct forensic evidence linking the teenager to the crime.
“There was nothing proving he pulled the trigger,” Vaughn said. “One of the victims was shot twice on one side of the head and once on the other, indicating someone else may have been involved.”
Hobbs faces two counts of capital murder, one count of burglary, and 10 other charges. He was denied bond.
In a Facebook statement, the Blairs’ family expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are crushed in spirit, bruised, and brokenhearted.”