A teenager accused of killing an elderly couple in Mississippi had previously worked for them, family members testified during a preliminary hearing. Cordarius Hobbs, 17, is charged with two counts of capital murder and burglary in the deaths of 74-year-old Billy Blair and 71-year-old Virginia Carol Blair.
The incident occurred on June 3 in Mendenhall, Mississippi. According to testimony, contractors installing a generator at the Blairs' home discovered Carol Blair's car with guns inside around 10 a.m. and called for a welfare check. Simpson County Sheriff's Department deputies arrived by noon and were met with gunfire, initiating a standoff that lasted nearly two hours.
Hobbs was apprehended after attempting to flee the scene unarmed, officials stated. Investigators found three firearms and 280 shell casings inside the home, all belonging to Billy Blair.
During the hearing, Hobbs' grandfather testified that his grandson had done work for the Blairs, such as cleaning around their house. He expressed disbelief that his grandson would rob individuals for whom he had worked. Hobbs' defense attorney argued that there is a lack of direct forensic evidence linking the teenager to the shootings and suggested the possibility of another individual being present, citing the nature of the victim's wounds.
The Blairs were found with multiple gunshot wounds. Carol Blair was discovered in a bedroom with three shots to the back of her head, and Billy Blair was found in the kitchen with three gunshot wounds to his face.
Hobbs faces additional charges and was denied bond. The couple's family expressed their grief in a Facebook statement, stating they were "crushed in spirit, bruised, and brokenhearted, but we are not alone." Friends remembered the Blairs as selfless and kind individuals.