concerning TSU student’s death today

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

A special session of the Pike County Grand Jury will convene today to hear evidence in the death investigation of Brandi Hobson, the 17-year-old Troy State University freshman from Clio whose body was discovered on Sept. 3.

Hobson’s body was found just after midnight that Monday by her parents in room 111 of the all-female Clements Hall. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Pike County Coroner Jerry Williams.

The ongoing investigation has been conducted by the Troy Police Department, Troy State University Police Department, Department of Forensic Sciences and the District Attorney’s Office of the 12th Judicial Circuit.

District Attorney Mark Fuller said he expects the Grand Jury to report late this afternoon.

Dave Barron, director of University Relations for TSU, said university officials are "pleased to see the investigation has progressed to the point evidence can be presented to the Grand Jury."

Despite that positive note, "Troy State University is still saddened by the death of Brandi Hobson," Barron said.

Prior to a circuit judge being asked to call a special session of the Grand Jury, TSU officials said, "the initial impression by several people at the scene of her death was that there were no overt signs of struggle. However, when the evidence gathered was evaluated, indications were that further in-depth investigation was needed."

An autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of Hobson’s death, but the cause of death has not been released because of the special session of the Grand Jury.

It was awaiting that information that precluded university officials from releasing further information on Hobson’s death.

After much speculation by the public, authorities did say there was no evidence of an unknown assailant or perpetrator. They also reported Hobson’s death was not the result of use by any weapons and that there was no apparent break-in or signs of struggle.

Sessions of the Grand Jury are closed to the public. The purpose of a Grand Jury is examine evidence and determine whether there is enough to warrant holding a person for trial. An accused person is indicted. A determination of insuffienct evidence is referred to as a "no bill," meaning "not found" or "no indictment."