SUSPECT ARRESTED

On Friday, May 17, 2019 at approximately 7:14 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call of a vehicle in a canal. Deputies responded to the 1000 block of NE 39 Blvd./Cemetery Road. Upon arrival, Okeechobee Fire Rescue personnel were in the water and recovered the body of the victim, from inside the vehicle. It was later determined that the victim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as 43-year old Paul Murphy, of Jupiter, Florida.

Detectives spent countless hours conducting interviews and searching for evidence before taking 36-year old

James Wade Hodges into custody. Hodges has been charged with Second Degree Murder, a second degree felony. He currently is being held on “No bond”.

James Wade Hodges

DOB: 4/12/83

291 NW 31 Lane, Okeechobee, FL

If you have any information, contact Detective Ted Van Deman at (863)763-3117, ext. 5104 regarding Case #19S12496. Or you may remain anonymous and contact Treasure Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477.

Michele Bell, PIO