Brothers accused of shooting Covington County deputy denied bond
COVINGTON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – According to CBS Affiliate WJTV, the two brothers who are accused of shooting a Covington County deputy appeared in court on June 10, 2026.
Cortavious and Cortavion Hobbs were both charged with two counts of attempted capital murder and hindering prosecution. Cortavion was also charged with felony fleeing.
Both brothers were denied bond for the attempted capital murder charges. They both received a $250,000 bond for the hindering prosecution charge, while Cortavion also received a $250,000 bond for felony fleeing.
The brothers are accused of shooting Covington County Deputy Yates Rodney on June 8, 2026.
According to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Rodney conducted a traffic stop on a blue SUV on Monday after observing the driver not wearing a seatbelt.
During the course of the traffic stop, authorities said Rodney observed suspected narcotics and contraband inside the vehicle. While speaking with the occupants, the individuals suddenly fled the scene in the SUV.
Investigators said the Hobbs brothers led Rodney on a chase that ended near the Mount Olive Post Office and Cash Saver Grocery Store when the suspects became stuck. They said Rodney exited his vehicle and ordered the Hobbs to exit.
At that time, authorities said the driver continued attempting to free the vehicle from the bogged area, while the passenger exited and laid on the ground with his hands raised. They said Deputy Austin Riels arrived on scene shortly to assist Rodney. As Rodney approached the SUV, investigators said the passenger suddenly got up from the ground and opened fire on the deputies.
Rodney was struck by gunfire in the side area underneath his shoulder and arm, and Riels returned fire. The suspects were not struck and ran away from he scene.
After an extensive manhunt, the brothers were arrested early Tuesday morning in the 300 block of Bluff Street in Mount Olive. Investigators said they had been staying at the residence for one week.
According to investigators, the Hobbs brothers were both arrested around 1:00 a.m. on June 9, 2026. Investigators said they were found hiding under the home.
The Covington County Sheriff’s Office said Rodney was transported for medical treatment and remains under medical care at this time.
Authorities said the two are the brothers of Cordarius Hobbs, who is the suspect in last week’s double homicide in Simpson County. According to investigators, Billy and Carol Blair were killed during a standoff.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
The suspects’ initial appearance is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 10, 2026, at the Covington County Justice Court.
The Blood Center encouraged residents to donate blood following the shooting of Rodney.
Opportunities to Donate:
- Hattiesburg Donor Center
- 4700 Hardy St. Suite P
- Hattiesburg, MS 39402
- Open June 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Emergency Blood Drive
- June 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Covington County Sheriff’s Office
- 1107 Main St., Collins, MS
All blood types are needed. Type O donors and platelet donors are encouraged to donate. To schedule an appointment or find a donor center, contact The Blood Center at (800) 86-BLOOD.
A GoFundMe has also been set up for Rodney to help him and his family with any expenses while he recovers.
