Man indicted for Licking County karaoke bar murder after arrest in South Carolina

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Licking County man that was arrested in South Carolina after allegedly killing another man in at a Buckeye Lake bar has now been indicted for murder.

Richard Lindgren, 59, was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of 42-year-old Benjamin Hawk. Lindgren is accused of fatally shooting Hawk on July 11 at Louie’s Corner House where Hawk and Lindgren’s ex-wife were reportedly singing karaoke on the outdoor patio.

He has been indicted for aggravated murder, two counts of murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence. Lindgren was originally scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on Thursday but that has been postponed.

Court documents said Lindgren approached Hawk from behind and shot him. Hawk was pronounced dead shortly after medics arrived and Lindgren immediately fled the scene. He was found in Orangeburg, South Carolina on July 12 and was arrested by sheriff's deputies. Lindgren was extradited back to Licking County four days later. Lindgren was issued a $5 million bond.

Lindgren was previously charged with violating a protection order in January and was issued a bench warrant, along with a $2,500 bond, in February.

After pleading not guilty, Lindgren changed his plea to guilty in April and on July 9 was granted an extension to pay $100, which remained from his $400 fine. The extension was set to expire on Sept. 12 with no further extensions granted.