On July 29th, 2019, a distressing incident unfolded as Jasmine Perkins made a desperate 911 call, repeatedly stating that she was dying. The 25-year-old had just been shot by Justin Haynes, the son of Florida's Circuit Judge Barbara Hobbs.
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The chilling 911 call captured the intensity of the situation as Perkins relayed the traumatic events. Haynes had fired two shots through the door, injuring Perkins and her dog Samson during an argument. Tallahassee police arrived promptly, discovering a tense situation at the residence.
Perkins, wounded and traumatized, was rushed to the hospital, while Haynes, the 31-year-old shooter, was taken into police custody. As events unfolded, Judge Barbara Hobbs arrived at the scene, expressing her desire to see her son. However, due to legal constraints, she could only act as his lawyer during police interviews.
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Haynes faced charges of second-degree murder with a weapon, shooting into a building, and attempted animal cruelty. His attempt to seek immunity under stand-your-ground laws was denied. Meanwhile, Judge Hobbs faced scrutiny for representing her son during police interrogations. Despite being acquitted of arranging improper contact, she was found guilty of acting as his lawyer.
In July 2021, it was reported that Judge Hobbs did not oppose a recommended 60-day unpaid suspension and public reprimand for her role in representing her son. Haynes is currently out on bail, awaiting trial as the legal complexities surrounding this tragic case continue to unfold.