An elderly Mississippi couple dubbed the “sweetest” were allegedly killed by a teenage burglar who is also accused of firing at cops during a six-hour standoff after barricading himself in the house.
Billy Blair, 74, and his wife Virginia Carol Blair, 71, were killed after 17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs broke into the couple’s home last Wednesday, WLBT reported. Hobbs has since been charged with capital murder.
Cops swooped on the Mendenhall home just after noon to carry out a welfare check after worried relatives couldn’t make contact – but they encountered gunfire upon their arrival.
The burglary was already taking place when police arrived and the front door was open. It’s not clear how long Hobbs had been inside the house.
Hobbs allegedly told cops he would surrender at the front door before escaping via the back of the Blairs’ home.
Hobbs bolted out of the property after cops fired tear gas, Bailey Martin, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesperson, said.
He allegedly fired at four different cops as well as an infant. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said those who were shot were “pinned down by gunfire.”
Hobbs was shot by a trooper during the standoff and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was arrested after being chased by officers.
The Blairs, who ran a tire business, were described by their pastor Andy Fullington as “the sweetest couple” who “had such a beautiful spirit about them,” WLBT reported.
“They walked with the Lord. They have left behind a beautiful example, a shining light,” he said.
“We’re going to miss them so much, but we know where they are and that gives us great comfort.”
He told how Virginia Blair, a church pianist for 30 years, would always praise him for his readings.
“Even if it was a bad sermon, even messed up, she was just a godly woman who had such encouragement, and she would always share some encouraging words,” he said.
“The Blairs were just wonderful people. They loved the Lord, had a wonderful marriage and were very devoted to God, their church and the community,” family friend Buddy Keyes told WJTV.
Hobbs appeared in court last Friday and faces 13 charges, including burglary and capital murder. He’s facing a slew of assault offenses.
Capital murder in Mississippi can result in the death penalty for suspects over 18. Juveniles can face up to 50 years behind bars.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges, was denied bond, and is due to appear in court next month.
