Police seeking info concerning recent murder of Vero Beach man
(Pictured above: Murder Suspect Scott Hodges and Victim John Robert Spencer, Jr., Image credit: IRCSO)
On November 23, detectives with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) in Vero Beach, Florida, sent out a notice to the public that John Robert Spencer, 41, had been reported missing by his family. Spencer was a resident of the Vero Lake Estates community.
He was described by the sheriff’s office as a 41-year-old white male standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
The next day, detectives described having 40 units and a helicopter responding to the Vero Lake Estates community to assist in the search. The Sheriff’s Office also issued the statement that, “Foul play is suspected in the disappearance of John Robert Spencer, 41; and that Spencer was last seen in the 8600 block of 95th Avenue in Vero Beach on the afternoon of November 23, where his vehicle was located.”
Later on November 24, the IRCSO announced that their deputies arrested a person of interest in connection with Spencer’s missing persons’ case. Scott Hodges had been arrested Tuesday evening on a charge of possession of stolen property. Spencer’s body was recovered Wednesday afternoon with the assistance of information provided by the suspect, Scott Hodges.
The suspect in Spencer’s murder is a licensed local real estate agent. Jail records show that Hodges, 43, of the 8600 block of 95th Avenue, was also charged with first-degree murder, according to TC Palm.
“Our thoughts go out to the family,” said Sheriff Eric Flowers. “Losing a loved one, especially so close to the holidays, is a tragedy. As we’re sitting down to our Thanksgiving meals, this family is mourning a loved one lost to violence.”
Investigators found a stolen black Glock .40 caliber handgun located inside Hodges’ residence during a search warrant, according to Sebastian Daily. Hodges told investigators that Spencer went to his residence on the day he went missing.
The two then left Spencer’s house and ended up in the 8400 Block of 90th Avenue. Hodges said the two were arguing in his truck, and he pulled over.
As the argument continued, he and Spencer walked east into the wooded area. According to the affidavit, Hodges advised that he drew his gun and shot Spencer, then fired three more rounds into Spencer to “keep him from suffering.” ~ Sebastian Daily
The investigation into Spencer’s murder is still ongoing. As the sheriff’s office tries to button up the case against their suspect, they issued a request to the public for anyone that had contact with Scott Hodges between November 21 through November 23 to please come forward.
We are also asking if you saw the below vehicle on November 22, 2021, between the hours of 3 PM and 6 PM to contact Det. Phil Daugherty at 772-978-6163.
*** Or you can remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a CASH REWARD, contact the Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477; Go online at www.tcwatch.org or www.P3tips.com**
(Source: IRCSO)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
