Hogg murder trial moving forward

GAINESVILLE – The State Attorney’s Office has disclosed the aggravating factors it intends to rely upon in the case against Russell Dewayne Hogg, the High Springs man accused of killing his son and wife in the front yard of the family’s home in September 2011.

The State will argue that that the defendant was previously convicted in another felony involving violence; that the capital felony was especially henious, atrocious, or cruel; and that the homicide was cold, calculated and premeditated.

If 59-year-old Hogg is found guilty of first-degree murder, a crime punishable by death, these aggravating factors will play a role in his sentencing.

According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Russell Hogg pulled into the driveway of his High Springs home on Sept. 11, 2011 and allegedly took out an AK-47, pointing it at his son, Anthony Hogg.

According to the report, Anthony Hogg told his father “What are you gonna do, shoot me?” and Russell Hogg responded by saying, “I sure will.”

Hogg then fired two to three rounds at Anthony, killing him almost instantly.

As Trenda Hogg, Russell Hogg’s wife, came running out of the home to check on Anthony, Russell Hogg allegedly pointed the gun at her and fired several rounds, according to the report.

Russell Hogg threw the gun down, and a witness picked up the gun and threw it under the home so Russell could not grab it and fire more rounds. Russell Hogg then got into his car and fled into Columbia County, according to the report.

Prior to the incident, Russell Hogg allegedly told several people that he was going to go over to the house and kill them. After leaving, he went back to the same people and allegedly told them he had just killed them, according to the report.

After his arrest, Russell Hogg made statements admitting to the murders. According to the report, he said that it hurt him to see his wife lying there barely breathing because he did not want her to die. He also stated that he would have just whipped his son if he could, rather than having to kill him.

Hogg will face two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault with weapon, and possession of weapon by convicted Florida felon.

A previous 1986 conviction for lewd and lascivious assault could also play a role in his sentencing.

The case is expected to go to trial in the fall.

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