A tragic incident at a bar in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, left one man dead after he was shot in the back of the head by his girlfriend’s ex-husband. Authorities have charged 59-year-old Richard Lindgren with murder in connection to the killing of 42-year-old Benjamin Hawk.
Shooting at Louie’s Corner House
On the night of July 11, shortly before midnight, deputies responded to a shooting at Louie’s Corner House, a local bar. There, they found Benjamin Hawk dead from a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Hawk had been singing karaoke with his girlfriend on the bar’s outdoor patio when the shooting occurred.
According to a criminal complaint, Lindgren approached Hawk from behind, pulled out a small handgun, and shot him in the back of the head. Several patrons witnessed the shooting and immediately called 911. They also chased Lindgren as he fled the scene.
Lindgren’s Escape and Arrest
Lindgren attempted to escape the scene by driving off in his vehicle. However, authorities issued a nationwide alert for his car, and the following day, traffic cameras in Orangeburg, South Carolina, spotted Lindgren.
Police in South Carolina pulled him over and arrested him. Lindgren is now awaiting extradition back to Ohio to face charges.
The Traumatizing Experience at the Bar
Debbie Williamson, the owner of Louie’s Corner House, recalled hearing a loud noise she initially thought was a firecracker, only to later realize it was a gunshot.
Williamson was sitting in the beer garden when she saw patrons chasing Lindgren and realized the horrifying event that had just unfolded. She described the experience as traumatizing, especially since nothing like this had ever occurred at the bar in its 50-year history.
Remembering Benjamin Hawk
Benjamin Hawk is being remembered as a kind and talented person. According to his family, Hawk leaves behind two children. He was well-known for his love of karaoke and his ability to connect with people.
His brother shared on a GoFundMe post that Hawk “never met a stranger” and was always ready to help those in need. “He always looked out for those around him and would give his very last to someone in need,” his brother wrote.
The community is mourning the loss of a man who was loved by many and brought joy to those around him through his karaoke performances.
