In the quiet town of Alcoa, Tennessee, a tragic event unfolded on February 15, 2017, ending the life of 55-year-old Ladonald Edward Hodge Sr. A Black/African American male, Hodge was discovered deceased in his residence on West Fulton Street from what was determined to be a gunshot wound. Responding to a call shortly before 7:30 a.m., Alcoa police officers entered the home to find a grim scene.
Alongside Ladonald Hodge was his wife, 46-year-old Dawn R.
Hodge, who was also deceased from a gunshot wound. The discovery was made by the couple's child, who was left to grapple with the shocking loss. Neighbors in the community expressed their sorrow and disbelief at the unexpected and violent end to the lives of the couple.
Following a thorough investigation and autopsies, the Alcoa Police Department concluded that the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide. The evidence indicated that Dawn Hodge shot her husband, Ladonald, before turning the weapon on herself. This determination brought a close to the investigation, as there were no outstanding suspects to be pursued in connection with Ladonald Hodge's death.
Prior to his death, Ladonald Hodge had faced legal troubles. In December 2014, he was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine as part of a larger drug trafficking ring. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of simple possession of cocaine in November 2015 and was sentenced to time served. The tragic circumstances of his death concluded a life that had seen both personal and legal challenges.
