Suspect denied bond in shooting death case

Businessman, 73, died in an apparent attempted robbery.

A man who allegedly shot and killed a prominent businessman in Gainesville on Thursday was denied bond at his first court appearance Monday, Channel 2 Action News reported.

DeMarvin Bennett, 24, faces malice murder and other charges in connection with the shooting death of 73-year-old Jack Hough, who was sitting inside his parked car while his wife went into the CVS on Park Hill Drive.

“What is malice murder?” Bennett asked the judge during his appearance. “I have no clue of what that is.”

Another hearing is scheduled for later this week.

Bennett is from East Point and was arrested there early Sunday, Gainesville police Chief Jay Parrish said.

Investigators found forensic evidence at the scene that led them to Bennett, Parrish said.

Bennett allegedly approached and tried to rob Hough about 7:45 p.m. “He resisted the suspect’s attempt and a struggle ensued,” Parrish said. “At that time, Mr. Hough was shot while sitting inside his vehicle, twice in the torso.”

Hough was a well-known businessman in North Georgia. An Air Force veteran, his successful business developed and operated food courts in malls and airports nationally, Channel 2 reported Friday.

He was also known for his philanthropic work. His family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to two of Hough’s favorite Gainesville charities: We Care and the Gainesville First United Methodist Church.

“This community lost a wonderful man,” Parrish said, adding that he spoke to Hough’s family following the arrest. “It takes that cloud off of them as they begin their own healing process.”