By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-10 21:12:43 | Updated at 2026-06-13 21:52:59
3 days ago
A beloved elderly couple was shot and killed by a teenage burglar who broke into their Mississippi home, officials say.
Billy Blair, 74, and his wife, Virginia Carol Blair, 71, had their home invaded by 17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs on June 3, according to the Simpson County Sheriff's Office.
Police were called to the house for a welfare check after the couple's family members could not reach them.
When officers arrived at the scene, the burglary was underway and Hobbs allegedly began firing at the deputies.
Hobbs barricaded himself inside the house, and allegedly told the officers he would surrender, but tried to escape out the back door instead and he was shot by a state trooper and received a non-life threatening injury.
It was revealed at his first court appearance on Friday that Hobbs fired shots at four different law enforcement officers and an infant at the scene, prosecutors said.
All five were treated for non-life-threatening injures, WLBT reported.
Hobbs was charged with capital murder, burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault of a law officer with deadly weapon and aggravated assault of an elderly person.
Billy Blair, 74, and his wife, Virginia Carol Blair, 71, were shot and killed after a teenager broke into their home
Police said 17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs killed the couple during a burglary, then got into a standoff with the police and shot four deputies and a baby
He was denied bond and is being held at the Rankin County Jail until his next court appearance, which is said to be scheduled for late June.
It is unclear at what point in the crime that Hobbs allegedly shot and killed Billy and Virginia.
Loved ones told the local news outlet that couple was deeply religious and very involved in their church.
'Everybody around here is still in shock. They were just good people,' their friend, Jason Busby said.
'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.'
The couple attended New Hebron Baptist Church in Lawrence County, Pastor Andy Fullington confirmed.
'You didn't have to wonder about Ms. Carol or Mr. Billy. You knew they loved the Lord. You knew that they were just good people that would help anyone,' he said.
The pastor said Virginia, who he referred to be her middle name, Carol, played piano at the church for 30 years and Billy severed the church in a variety of roles.
The couple was remembered by loved ones as deeply religious and very involved in their church
Police were called to the couple's house for a welfare check after their family members could not reach them and officers discovered the teen at the scene
'That was their life story. They walked with the Lord. They have left behind a beautiful example, a shining light and we're going to miss them so much, but we know where they are and that gives us great comfort,' he said.
'[Billy] had a number of different talents and abilities. They were just the sweetest couple. They were always wanting to help others out.'
'I've had a number of people come to me and say, "When I came to the church, they were the ones that greeted us; they were the ones who welcomed us to the church family." I think that's something that's very special. They were both such faithful and loving people,' he concluded.
