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Inset, left to right: Theodore “Ted” Block (E.C. Nurre Funeral Homes) and Cole Hornsby (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The area in Ohio where Hornsby killed Block in April 2024 (Google Maps).
In a harrowing case that has gripped Ohio, a 26-year-old man faces the possibility of life imprisonment for the brutal killing of his neighbor. Cole Hornsby has been sentenced to 24 years to life for the murder of Theodore “Ted” Block, a 40-year-old grandfather, whom he shot in the back 12 times. The attack followed an argument where Hornsby derogatively called Block a “b—” before alleging self-defense, according to court documents.
Presiding over the case, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Branch delivered the maximum sentence after a jury found Hornsby guilty of murder and tampering with evidence. The tragic incident unfolded in April 2024, leaving a community in shock and a family grieving.
On the night of April 16, 2024, police and emergency responders were dispatched to a residence on Kilby Road in Cincinnati following a distressing 911 call reporting a shooting. When they arrived, they found Block, lifeless on the ground. The details recorded in court documents paint a chilling picture of the events leading to his death.
According to a detective’s affidavit, witnesses recounted that Hornsby initiated a confrontation with Block, which escalated into a verbal altercation. One witness reported hearing Hornsby taunt Block with the words, “take this b—,” before pulling out a gun and repeatedly firing at him.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the deadly encounter began when Hornsby was firing a large muzzleloader rifle from his porch. Block, who was at home babysitting his grandchildren, approached Hornsby to urge him to stop the dangerous activity. An argument ensued during which Block threatened to call the police before heading back to his house. Tragically, as Block walked away, Hornsby shot him from behind, ending his life in a horrific manner.
At trial, a forensic expert testified that while Block was lying face down on the ground, Hornsby fired a shot into the middle of his back, according to the Enquirer. Hornsby then hid the firearm in his shed.
Block’s wife, Krissy Block, watched the shooting take place and testified at Hornsby’s trial, Newport, Kentucky-based Fox affiliate WXIX reported.
Alyiah Block, the victim’s daughter, spoke during Thursday’s sentencing hearing, imploring the court to impose the maximum sentence.
“Cole Hornsby, a man who should stay behind bars for as long as his heart beats,” she said, according to Cincinnati-based CBS and CW affiliate WKRC. “A coward of a man who took an innocent life for no reason at all but his own pleasure. A man who can’t admit that his decisions he made that night were never an act of self-defense, but him firing on an unarmed, non-threatening man that was only trying to protect his family from the psychopath next door.”
Hornsby’s defense attorney reportedly sought a sentence of two years followed by probation.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich praised Branch’s sentencing decision.
“I appreciate the judge’s careful consideration of this case and decision to impose the maximum allowed sentence, as my office requested,” she said in a statement to WKRC. “This was a tragic and preventable killing. Ted Block should be alive today. While no sentence can bring him back, this ensures the community will be safe from Cole Hornsby for as long as possible.”