Indian River County detectives seek help from public on Vero Lake Estates murder suspect

Lamaur Stancil, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read

VERO BEACH — Detectives investigating a Vero Lake Estates man's death are asking the public's help to track the whereabouts of the suspect before his arrest.

There's a three-day window — Nov. 21 through 23 — about which the Indian River County Sheriff's Office wants information from anyone who saw Scott Hodges, the man charged in the shooting death of John Robert Spencer Jr.

There are also a few hours — 3 to 6 p.m. — on Nov. 22 about which detectives want tips from people who saw a white GMC pickup, the sheriff's office announced on Facebook. The vehicle has been seized as evidence in the homicide investigation.

How you can he: Anonymous tipsters help solve crimes, collect reward cash with Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers

More crime news: Foul play not suspected in death of man found in southwest Indian River County

Officials found Spencer, 41, dead of apparent gunshot wounds in a wooded area bordering Vero Lake Estates and Treasure Coast Elementary School, in the 8400 block of 90th Avenue. Nearby were four spent .40-caliber casings, according to a report.

Deputies searched Vero Lake Estates near Hodges’ home after a family member reported him missing Tuesday, officials said.

Spencer was last seen Nov. 21 at his home in the 9300 block of 87th Street, and it was believed he was later with Hodges, according to case records. A family member told deputies she found Spencer’s phone at his home and that his white Honda Accord still was parked at Hodges’ residence.

Hodges, she said, told her on Nov. 23, “John is not OK and is not coming back,” records show.

Anyone with information about the case can call Indian River County Sheriff's Detective Phil Daugherty at 772-978-6163 or can contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477).

Lamaur Stancil is the Treasure Coast regional economy reporter covering business and industries, including retail, tourism and hospitality. Contact him at 321-987-7179 or lamaur.stancil@tcpalm.com and follow him at Lamaur Stancil on Facebook and @TCPalmLStancil on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Detectives want help from public on Vero Lake Estates murder suspect