YORK, Pa. — The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in North Carolina is continuing its search for a murder suspect with ties to Pennsylvania.
Donald Ray Hodges, aka Tyrone Evans, aka Unique Hodges, 50, is alleged to have murdered his wife, Branda Bender, in May 2022.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Hodges’ arrest.
He reportedly has ties to Pennsylvania, along with connections in Georgia and New York, authorities said.
On May 4, 2022, the Conover Police Department responded to a shooting along the 700 block of 2nd Street SW in Conover and discovered Bender, who was pronounced deceased at the scene due to gunshot wounds.
Police encountered Hodges in a Charlotte hotel that morning hours before Bender was discovered. He appeared to be under the influence of hallucinogenic narcotics and was vandalizing the lobby area of a hotel. He was transported to a local hospital but left before receiving any treatment, authorities claim.
On May 10, 2022, the Conover Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Hodges for first-degree murder. He has not been seen since the date of the homicide, and it is believed that he is aware of his charges and is actively evading law enforcement.
Hodges is 6 foot 6 and weighs approximately 273 pounds with a muscular build. He is bald, has brown eyes, and usually has a beard. Hodges has multiple tattoos on his chest and arms, including an “OG” on his chest, a dog on his right shoulder, “TNT Hardcore” on his left shoulder and “Love Shirley Nancy,” as well as a Masonic symbol on his left arm.
“I urge any citizen who knows anything about Mr. Hodge’s location to please take a second and make that information known to us or any local law enforcement officer or agency,” said Terry Burgin, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of North Carolina. “Please help bring some closure to the murdered victim’s family and loved ones by bringing this wanted fugitive closer to justice.”
Investigators have learned additional details about Hodges that might help lead to his location:
- Hodges is known to befriend and use people to obtain money to help him avoid capture. Investigators say they believe he may be meeting both men and women through dating apps and moving in with them until he overstays his welcome. Then he moves on to the next person.
- Investigators also say they believe Hodges remains in close contact with his family and other criminal associates while on the run. He previously worked as a long-haul trucker.
- Hodges has a lengthy criminal history including robbery, assault and weapons charges. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about Hodges’ location is urged to call the USMS Tips Hotline at 1-877-926-8332. Tips also be reported 24/7 through the USMS Tips App.