As reported by Cleveland 19 news, a Maple Heights man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend outside the AutoZone on Broadway Avenue in Bedford. Darien Hobley had originally been indicted on charges including murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24.
The victim, 20-year-old Riley Jones of Shaker Heights, was shot on Aug. 4, 2025, in the store’s parking lot. According to Bedford police, Hobley and Jones were arguing when Hobley shot her once in the chest. After the shooting, Hobley entered the store, asked employees to call 911, and then fled the scene on foot.
Police found Jones unresponsive when they arrived. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Officers located and arrested Hobley shortly afterward on a nearby roadway.
