Hobson Takes Responsibility for Wife's 2023 Death

A Tragic Case of Love, Anger, and Consequences

Gregory Grant Hobson, a 64-year-old man from Fairfield, California, took the witness stand in his own defense during a trial that has lasted over a month. The case centers around the death of his wife, Anu Anand Hobson, who was killed on February 14, 2023, and whose body was later burned in rural Fresno County.

During direct questioning by Chief Deputy Public Defender Oscar Bobrow, Hobson admitted to being "responsible for her death." This statement came early in his three-hour testimony in Judge Janice M. Williams' courtroom in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield. Clad in a charcoal-gray suit, light blue short, and black tie, Hobson appeared exhausted and pale as he answered questions with a clear voice and without hesitation.

Bobrow began by reviewing Hobson’s background, including his birthplace, college graduation, meeting and marrying Anu, having two children, and working for Chevron Corp. The family moved to the Bay Area in 1999. After retiring, Hobson faced health issues, eventually stopping work as a chemist in Richmond. He also discussed his income after retirement, including money from an inheritance, a pension, and a final "golden handshake" from Chevron.

Hobson stated that he never struck Anu, even during arguments. Between 2020 and 2021, their relationship was good, he said. However, by fall 2022, he suspected she was having an extramarital affair, which increased during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. He admitted to following her one night to confirm his suspicions.

Bobrow revisited previous testimony about a family trip to Sacramento to buy a car for their daughter Sara and a walk in Pena Adobe and Lake Solano regional parks with their son Sean. Hobson disputed his son's claim that he wasn’t frustrated about his marital situation during those walks, saying his responses were matter-of-fact. He told Sean he wanted a divorce and suspected she was trying to poison his water and food.

On February 14, Hobson and Anu had an argument in her second-floor office. He claimed he lost his balance at the top of the stairs, fell backward, and hit his tailbone. He then returned to the office, grabbed Anu by the hood of her sweatshirt, pinned her to the floor, and sat on her. She made "oooh, ooh" sounds and grabbed his crotch. She tried to buck him off multiple times before going limp.

Hobson said there was blood on the floor and tried to revive her, noticing blood in her mouth. When asked if he killed her, he responded, "No," adding that he rolled onto his back on the floor. He didn't call 911 because he was scared of going to prison and decided to run instead.

He placed her body in a sleeping bag, dragged it downstairs, and into the garage. He struggled to lift her into his truck but eventually used a hydraulic lift purchased from Harbor Freight. He also adjusted surveillance cameras and burned the body in a field in Fresno County. During the drive, he used an ATM in Cambria, where the bank manager spoke to him, making him realize law enforcement was looking for him.

Hobson returned to Fairfield and was arrested while almost home. When asked if he ever wanted to kill his wife, he said, "I didn't want to kill her," adding, "I'm so, so sorry for what I did."

On cross-examination, Chief Deputy District Attorney Bruce Flynn pressed Hobson about his wife admitting to an affair and filling out divorce papers. Hobson claimed he was enraged after the fall and that Anu feigned arousal when she grabbed his crotch. He denied trying to hide evidence by cleaning up blood, stating he just wanted to buy time. He admitted burning the body to make identification difficult and throwing both their cellphones into a river.

On redirect, Hobson emphasized that none of this was planned and that he never wanted to kill his wife. Both sides rested their cases, and closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Hobson could face 25 years to life in prison.