On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Scott Hodges, 44, of Sebastian, was indicted and charged with First Degree Murder with a Firearm in the death of John Robert Spencer.
Spencer’s family has reached out to Sebastian Daily, asking to keep the public informed about the case since so many people knew him well.
Hodges, a real estate agent in Sebastian and Vero Beach, was initially charged with First Degree Murder and Second Degree Murder on Nov. 23, 2021.
While Hodges was charged by the prosecutor last year, an indictment means the grand jury filed charges against him on May 11, 2022.
The case began last year when a relative of Spencer contacted the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office after he went missing. The relative then discovered Spencer’s vehicle parked outside of Hodges’ home.
When investigators spoke with Hodges, he said, “John is not okay and is not coming back,” the affidavit said.
On two occasions, Hodges told investigators, “it’s not good,” when referring to what happened with Spencer. Hodges then changed his story multiple times and added that he and Spencer are both drug users.
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During a search warrant, investigators found a stolen black Glock .40 caliber handgun located inside Hodges’ residence.
On Nov. 24, 2021, Hodges was arrested on murder charges after he said he shot and killed Spencer.
“He thought he was acting weird and was possibly armed. Hodges advised that he and Spencer left to do drugs and that they stopped at Spencer’s residence. Hodges advised Spencer was acting weird, and he has seen messages on his phone that talk about murder and suicide,” the investigator said. Hodges said Spencer allegedly armed himself with a handgun, and that’s when he brought his firearm with him for his safety.
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 a 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.”
“I believe this killing was done in a premeditated manner based on Hodges stating it was him or me and firing the gun and striking Spencer and then firing the gun three additional times while Spencer was on the ground. Hodges made no attempt to render aid or call for help, and these actions resulted in the death of John Spencer,” the investigator wrote in the affidavit.
Hodges remains at the Indian River County Jail without bond.
