Three Liberty Area Residents Charged with Attempted First Degree Murder in Cannon County

Three people from Pea Ridge Road near Liberty are facing attempted first degree murder, aggravated arson, and especially aggravated robbery charges in Cannon County after allegedly trying to destroy a mobile home by fire with someone still inside last Wednesday, March 16th.
Mary V. Hill, James W. Hill, and Charlotte M. Hill, all of 4641 Pea Ridge Road Liberty were being held in the Cannon County Jail at last report under bonds of $2.5 million each.
The Cannon Courier reports on its website that the Hills were in the process of moving from the home of Lonnie Estes on Big Hill Road to 4641 Pea Ridge Road when an argument began over sheets and towels, according to Cannon County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Anthony Young.
According to the report, “Mr. Estes said that James Hill hit him with his (Estes’) walking cane,” Investigator Young said. “It broke, then he (Hill) hit Estes with a chair, knocking him to the kitchen floor. Estes said James Hill then went outside, got a gallon milk jar of gasoline, came back inside and threw it on the kitchen floor and set it on fire.”
Estes said the three Hills then left the residence, taking his wallet in the process.
The 68 year old Estes made it out of the house and called 911.
Investigator Young responded and rode in the ambulance with Estes to DeKalb Community Hospital to obtain a statement.
Estes was treated and released for a severe laceration to his head and also for multiple bruises to his face and body.
According to the Cannon Courier, the arson and bomb squad was called in to investigate the fire, which caused extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the residence.
Investigator Young said he then returned to the scene and obtained statements from friends and neighbors of Estes and they began searching for the Hills.
“We put out a BOLO and then initiated an area-wide search. They were found within 12 hours. After initially leaving the county, they returned to the residence on Pea Ridge Road and were apprehended there,” Investigator Young said.
The Hills are scheduled to make their initial appearance in Cannon County General Sessions Court on June 6.