UPDATE: Testimony in the trial of Gregory Grant Hobson, 64, accused of murdering his wife, Anu Anand Hobson, on February 14, 2023, is unfolding in Solano County Superior Court. Investigators detailed shocking evidence, including a charred body found in a black tote and a hydraulic lift believed to be used in the crime.
In a gripping session, Deputy District Attorney Bruce Flynn called Detective Keli Callison to the stand, who recounted the harrowing events leading to Hobson’s arrest. On February 16, Callison received an alert regarding Anu’s disappearance while patrolling near Highway 12. He located Hobson, driving his silver Toyota Tacoma, and subsequently detained him.
Hobson complied during the stop, but tension heightened when Detective Dennis Chapman sought a warrant to search Hobson’s vehicle. On February 22, Chapman was notified by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office about a grisly finding: a 40-gallon tote containing blood, discovered about 190 miles south of Fairfield.
Chapman returned to the scene on March 3, conducting a grid search that led to the discovery of Anu’s remains. The evidence has shocked the courtroom, with Chapman stating, “We found a charred body that was later determined to be Anu Hobson’s.”
As the trial progresses, the prosecution revealed a video showing Hobson purchasing a hydraulic lift at Harbor Freight on February 14. This lift is now central to the case, as it is believed Hobson used it to move Anu’s body. During emotional testimony, forensic investigator Amy Tudi-Akaka detailed her collection of evidence, including DNA swabs from Hobson and a substantial cash find of $4,800 in his residence.
The courtroom was visibly impacted when Flynn displayed a plaque with the words “Love you to the moon and back,” altered to read “betray.” This disturbing revelation adds a psychological layer to the case, as Sean Hobson, the couple’s son, testified about his father’s alleged suspicions of Anu’s infidelity.
In an intense moment, Flynn underscored the circumstantial nature of the evidence, which includes surveillance footage from the Hobson home. One clip timestamps Anu walking towards the front door on February 13, while another shows Gregory’s truck at critical times on the day of the alleged murder.
Compellingly, DNA analysis indicated the burned body was Anu’s, yet the autopsy did not determine the cause of death, nor did it show signs of strangulation or blunt force trauma. The trial is ongoing and expected to last at least three more weeks, with courtroom sessions scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
With Hobson facing 25 years to life if convicted, the community is watching closely. This trial brings to light the devastating impact of domestic violence and the harrowing search for justice.
Stay tuned for further updates as this high-stakes trial develops.
