A night of karaoke at a bar in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, turned tragic when a 42-year-old man was shot and killed by his girlfriend’s ex-husband. Richard Lindgren, 59, has been charged with the murder of Benjamin Hawk, who was performing on the outdoor patio of Louie’s Corner House when the shooting occurred.
The Fatal Shooting
On the night of July 11, 2023, Benjamin Hawk was enjoying karaoke with his girlfriend when Richard Lindgren approached him from behind and shot him in the back of the head.
Witnesses at the bar described hearing a loud noise, initially mistaken for a firecracker, before seeing patrons chase Lindgren. The authorities responded quickly to the scene, where they found Hawk dead from a gunshot wound.
According to a criminal complaint, Hawk had only managed to get “three words out” of the song he was singing when the fatal shot was fired.
The incident stunned those present at the bar, with the owner, Debbie Williamson, saying the shooting was extremely traumatizing, especially since nothing like this had ever happened at the bar, which had been in her family for fifty years.
The Chase and Arrest
After the shooting, Lindgren fled the scene in his vehicle, sparking a nationwide search. Authorities issued an alert for his car, and the following day, officers in Orangeburg, South Carolina, spotted Lindgren on traffic cameras. They pulled him over and took him into custody. Lindgren is now awaiting extradition back to Ohio to face charges related to the murder of Hawk.
Remembering Benjamin Hawk
Benjamin Hawk, who was known for his love of karaoke and his friendly nature, leaves behind two children. His family and friends are remembering him fondly.
A GoFundMe set up by his brother described Hawk as someone who “never met a stranger” and was always willing to help others, even at his own expense. Hawk’s talent for karaoke was well-known, and his sudden death has left a community in mourning.
The Aftermath
This shocking and senseless act of violence has left the local community shaken, and those who knew Hawk are finding it difficult to come to terms with his death. As Lindgren awaits his day in court, the incident continues to bring up difficult emotions for the loved ones of Hawk and the many who knew him.
