17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs has been charged with capital murder, among other charges.

17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs has been charged with capital murder, among other charges.

An elderly Mississippi couple beloved by their church community was shot and killed after a teenage burglar broke into their home in early June. The 17-year-old suspect has been hit with multiple charges, including capital murder.

74-year-old Billy Blair and his wife, 71-year-old Virginia Carol Blair, were at their home on June 3 when the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs, allegedly broke into the home. Police said officers conducted a welfare check after family members were unable to reach the couple. When deputies arrived, they discovered the burglary in progress. 

Authorities allege Hobbs opened fire on responding deputies, triggering a shootout. Prosecutors said in his first court appearance that Hobbs fired at four officers and an infant who was present at the scene. All five were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Hobbs barricaded himself in the home, saying he would surrender, but then tried to escape out the back door. He was shot by a state trooper in the process and received a non-life-threatening injury.

Hobbs has been charged with 2 counts of capital murder, one count of burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of aggravated assault of a law officer with a deadly weapon, and two counts of aggravated assault of an elderly person. It is not clear when in the shootout he allegedly shot and killed the elderly couple. 

Hobbs was denied bond, with his next court date scheduled for June. 

According to a report by WLBT, the couple was deeply religious and involved in their church community. “You didn’t have to wonder about Ms. Carol or Mr. Billy,” said pastor Andy Fullington. “You knew they loved the Lord. You knew that they were just good people that would help anyone.”

“They were just the sweetest couple," he continued. "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."