CONOVER, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A Conover man who is accused of killing his wife and has been on the run for more than a year has now been connected to several dating apps, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Donald Ray Hodges, aka Tyrone Evans, aka Unique Hodges, 50, is wanted for first-degree murder. He is alleged to have killed his wife in Conover in May 2022, authorities said.
Hodges is believed to have fled the area shortly after the murder and was last seen in Charlotte in early May 2022, police said.
On May 4, 2022, Conover Police responded to a shooting in the 700 block of 2nd Street SW and discovered Brenda Bender with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
On May 10, 2022, an arrest warrant was obtained by Conover Police for Hodges for first-degree murder. Hodges has not been seen since the date of the homicide, and it is believed that Hodges is aware of his charges and is actively evading law enforcement, police said.
Hodges is described as a Black male, 6’6″ tall, weighing about 273 pounds with a muscular build. He is bald, has brown eyes, and usually has a beard, police said. 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.
Police said Hodges has been known to "befriend and use people to obtain cash to help him avoid capture." Investigators said they believe he may be meeting both men and women through dating apps and moving in with them until he overstays his welcome.
Investigators also said 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 and has strong ties to eastern North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New York. He has a lengthy criminal history including robbery, assault, and weapons charges, authorities said.
Hodges should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding Hodges’ location is asked to call the USMS Tips Hotline at 1-877-926-8332.