Forsyth County

Arrest made in shooting death of businessman during attempted robbery outside CVS

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Police have made an arrest in the shooting death of a well-known businessman outside a CVS in Hall County.

Businessman Jack Hough, 73, died after he was shot in the parking lot while his wife was inside the store off Parkhill Drive.

Gainesville police announced they arrested 24-year-old Demarvin Bennett of East Point around 2 a.m. Sunday. Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said Bennett is not connected with any other crimes recently in the area, but he does have a record.

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Police believe Bennett approached Hough, who had his car window open, in an attempt to carjack or rob him and the two began to struggle. Hough was shot in the chest and rushed to a hospital, where he died.

Parrish said officers also found what they believe is the gun used to kill Hough.

Hough, an Air Force veteran, was well-known in the community. He built a hugely successful business developing and operating food courts in malls and airports across the country. He was also a big philanthropist.

"It's senseless. I'm numb. I mean, my wife last night said she couldn't cry anymore," a close friend Andy Piucci told Channel 2 Action News. "He was a great friend and just a wonderful person. It's just horrible."

[RELATED: Well-known businessman shot, killed during attempted robbery outside CVS]

Hough's death is one of four "random unrelated acts of gun violence” in recent weeks, according to a video message Parrish posted Friday.

“We understand your alarm and concern for your safety in the city,” the police chief said. “We know that random acts of violence are not the norm for Gainesville, Georgia.”

Bennett is currently being held in the Hall County without bond and cooperating with police. He will have a preliminary hearing set for later in the week.

Cox Media Group

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