Benjamin Hawk dies in fatal Ohio shooting
Fatal Ohio shooting death of Benjamin Hawk
Law enforcement authorities have arrested Richard Lindgren, a 59-year-old man, after issuing a nationwide warrant for his connection to the death of Benjamin Hawk, a 42-year-old karaoke performer. The warrant was prompted by allegations that Lindgren shot Hawk to death at a bar in Ohio during a musical interlude.
The fatal incident occurred late Friday night at Louie’s Corner House, a bar situated approximately 35 minutes east of Columbus. According to preliminary reports, a patron was responding to a disturbance call when officers discovered Hawk with a fatal gunshot wound.
Deputies from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office stated that Lindgren was taken into custody in South Carolina, far from the crime scene. The arrest followed a request for assistance across state lines, highlighting the extensive reach of the investigation into this tragic event.
Witnesses reported that the shooting transpired while Hawk was engaged in a spontaneous duet with Lindgren’s ex-wife on the bar’s outdoor area. The altercation allegedly began when Lindgren approached Hawk from behind and fired a small handgun, resulting in a single, deadly shot to the head.
The bar’s owner, Debbie Williamson, described the scene as deeply disturbing, noting that such violence had never occurred during the establishment’s nearly five-decade history in operation. Williamson recounted hearing a loud noise, initially mistaken for a firework, before discovering the victim slumped near the patio.
Investigators indicated that Lindgren was not a local resident and had no apparent ties to the bar or its regulars. His vehicle was subsequently stopped by law enforcement in Orangeburg, South Carolina, leading to the apprehension. Detectives from Ohio are now traveling to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Benjamin Hawk’s family, including his brother David, expressed profound grief through a fundraising campaign. They emphasized that Hawk was a devoted father and community member, leaving behind two young children. The GoFundMe page highlighted his character, noting his generosity and kindness.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of violence, even in casual social settings, and has prompted a review of security measures at similar venues.
