London, Kentucky — The judicial proceedings against a local 36-year-old man, Benjamin Hobson, have escalated following a shooting incident on December 19 that left another man severely injured. According to officials, the case has now been forwarded to a grand jury after a preliminary hearing determined there was probable cause.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, under Detective Taylor McDaniel, apprehended Hobson on December 20, around 1:54 a.m. The arrest occurred after an in-depth investigation pinpointed Hobson on Payne Trail Road, east of London. The case gathered substantial attention due to the disturbing details surrounding the attack where the victim sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and leg.
During the preliminary hearing in Laurel District Court overseen by Judge Wendell Lewis “Skip” Hammons Jr., it was revealed that the victim had been shot twice. The crime scene, according to Det. McDaniel, included several witnesses including the victim, his father, and Hobson. A crucial detail that emerged was the absence of any firearm or evidence suggesting that the victim had fired any shots, stressing an apparent unprovoked assault.
Further complicating Hobson’s legal scenario is his possession of a 9mm handgun, which authorities confirmed belonged to a local property owner and was not legally Hobson’s to carry, given his status as a convicted felon. The handgun was promptly recovered following his arrest. These findings have not only intensified the investigation but also added a charge of illegal possession of a firearm against Hobson.
As the case unfolds, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with detectives and local law enforcement, including London City Police, working in unison to uncover the underlying reasons. The severity of the incident is underscored by the fact that the victim was still in the hospital as of two days before the hearing, grappling with life-threatening injuries.
Hobson, who pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, is currently held at the Laurel County Correctional Center with bail set at $100,000. The case continues to garner attention as the community awaits further developments and clarity on the events that transpired that fateful night.
The incident raises numerous questions about community safety, legal accountability, and the proper handling of firearm possession. As the legal proceedings continue, the community and the families affected hope for a just and thorough resolution.
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