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Judge finds probable cause in killing of Campbell Clinic doctor

By , Daily Memphian Updated: November 14, 2024 6:00 PM CT | Published: November 14, 2024 3:48 PM CT

A Collierville judge has sent a case involving the 2023 shooting and killing of a Collierville orthopedic doctor inside the offices of Campbell Clinic to the Shelby County Grand Jury.

Larry Pickens, 31, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault in connection with the fatal shooting of Dr. Benjamin Mauck, 43, who died of multiple gunshot wounds on July 11, 2023.

“I find that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime,” Collierville Municipal Court Judge Lee Ann Pafford Dobson said after the preliminary hearing at the Collierville Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 14. 


Man charged in Campbell Clinic shooting


After her decision, there were audible cries from the pews occupied by seven members of Mauck’s family members and friends. Some put their hands to their mouths; others comforted each other. 

“Our family continues to grieve and move forward with the support of our family and friends, as we adjust to life without our husband, son, father and brother,” according to a statement from the family.

Minutes after the decision, Pickens’ mother, the defendant’s only family member to attend the hearing, rushed out of the courthouse. 

“She is as devastated as any mother would be over these things that have beset her son,” said Pickens’ attorney, John Dolan.

If a grand jury indicts Pickens, his case will go to Shelby County Criminal Court Division 2, according to attorneys in the case. 

Pickens, who remains in jail on a $1.2 million bond, was escorted into the courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit, his face outlined with a beard and short hair. 


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Prosecutor Kevin McAlpin called one witness to the stand, Lydia McGuinn, a clinic manager for Campbell Clinic at the time of the shooting.

As McGuinn spoke, Pickens stood and gazed around the room with a blank look in his eyes. He held his mouth open. Occasionally, he appeared to half-smile. 

 

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Larry Pickens Dr. Benjamin Mauck Town of Collierville courthouse campbell clinic collierville Subscriber Only

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Julia Baker

Julia Baker

A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.

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