In a tragic incident that has left the medical community and the family of Dr. Benjamin Mauck devastated, the highly respected hand surgeon was shot and killed by a patient during an appointment at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics in Collierville, Tennessee. The suspect, Larry Pickens, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault, while the motive behind the targeted attack remains unknown.
Dr. Benjamin Mauck, a renowned hand surgeon known for his expertise in treating children with congenital hand deformities, was fatally shot by 29-year-old Larry Pickens during an examination at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics, located about 30 miles east of Memphis. According to an affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, a nurse practitioner present in the exam room witnessed Pickens draw a pistol from his waistband and fire three rounds at Dr. Mauck.
Law enforcement arrived at the scene to find Dr. Mauck on the floor of the exam room with multiple gunshot wounds to his neck, chest, and upper abdomen. The suspect’s name was discovered on paperwork near the victim, and authorities have classified the killing as a targeted attack. Fortunately, no other individuals at the clinic were harmed during the incident, as the nurse and other staff members were able to identify Pickens as the shooter due to his previous visits to the clinic.
After the shooting, Pickens fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward near the clinic’s entrance. He was found in possession of a backpack containing a black Smith & Wesson SD40 pistol with an empty chamber and two empty magazines. The motive behind the attack remains undisclosed, leaving the community and Dr. Mauck’s family searching for answers. Dr. Mauck is survived by his wife, Rhiannon Mauck, and two young children.
Blanchard E. Tual, the family attorney, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. In a statement, Tual acknowledged the senseless act of violence and urged the family to focus on Dr. Mauck’s positive contributions to the world, both personally and professionally. Meanwhile, Pickens has been arraigned on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault and is currently held on a $1.2 million bond.
Dr. Mauck was highly regarded by his patients, with over 700 reviews on the clinic’s website, averaging a rating of 4.9 out of 5. Many praised his exceptional friendliness and surgical skills. Tragically, the incident occurred just two weeks after Dr. Mauck was recognized as one of Memphis’ Top Doctors in 2023 by the Castle Connolly medical group. His dedication to helping children with complex hand abnormalities was widely acknowledged, and he was one of the few surgeons in the United States with such specialized skills.
The medical community and the local community at large are in shock and mourning following the targeted attack that claimed the life of Dr. Benjamin Mauck. As the investigation continues, the motive behind the attack remains unknown. Dr. Mauck’s legacy as a skilled and compassionate hand surgeon will be remembered by his patients and colleagues alike.