Billings man convicted of killing guest who refused to leave

Robert Webster Knight found guilty of mitigated deliberate homicide for 2020 killing of Kenneth Cobb

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:45pm

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A Yellowstone County jury has convicted Robert Webster Knight, a Billings, Montana resident, of mitigated deliberate homicide for killing Kenneth Cobb, a guest who refused to leave Knight's home nearly six years ago.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities around property rights, self-defense, and the use of lethal force, especially in domestic settings where emotions can run high and personal boundaries are blurred.

The details

According to court records, in 2020 Knight killed Cobb, a guest who had been staying at Knight's Billings home, after Cobb refused to leave the premises. Knight never denied the killing, but argued it was in self-defense after an altercation escalated. The jury ultimately convicted Knight of the lesser charge of mitigated deliberate homicide.

  • The incident occurred nearly six years ago in 2020.

The players

Robert Webster Knight

A Billings, Montana resident who was convicted of mitigated deliberate homicide for killing a guest who refused to leave his home.

Kenneth Cobb

The guest who was killed by Robert Webster Knight after refusing to leave Knight's Billings home.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the need for clear laws and guidelines around the use of force in domestic disputes, as well as the importance of de-escalation tactics to avoid tragic outcomes when personal boundaries are violated.