Metter, GA (January 10, 2019) – On Thursday, January 10, 2019, as a result of the December 28, 2018 discovery of human remains at a local scrap yard that originated from the property of Hodges Funeral Home in Metter, GA, the GBI charged and arrested Percy Hodges, 70, for Throwing Away or Abandonment of Dead Bodies, O.C.G.A. 31-21-44.2. Hodges was released to the custody of the Candler County Sheriff’s Office.

On the same date, the GBI, along with the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at Hodges Funeral Home to gather evidence and documents in attempt to further the investigation and positively identify the three sets of remains found. Information given to the GBI indicates the remains are of individuals believed to have been dead for over 25 years. The names of the deceased given to the GBI are Theresa McClarin, Leroy Dixon, and Mamie Fredricks. If anyone has any information regarding the aforementioned names, they are encouraged to contact the GBI Statesboro Office at 912-871-1121.

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Metter, GA (December 31, 2018) – On Friday, December 28, 2018, the GBI was requested by the Candler County Sheriff’s Office to investigate human remains that were discovered at Scrap Partners Recycling in Metter, GA on the same date. A funeral home in Metter hired individuals to tear down a shed behind the funeral home. In tearing down the shed, they found two metal containers and one casket. They took the metal containers and casket to Scrap Partners Recycling to sell. As they were being offloaded, one of the containers opened revealing a skull and rib bones. GBI Crime Scene Specialists examined the contents of the containers and discovered three sets of remains. One of the owners of the funeral home admits to putting the bodies in the shed in the late 80’s-early 90’s. Preliminary information indicates the bodies were being stored until they had been claimed and/or arrangements had been made by family members.

The GBI Crime Lab will conduct an examination of the remains to attempt to determine their identities, tentatively scheduled for January 2, 2019.

Contact Information:

John Durden - Special Agent in Charge or Lindsay Smith - Assistant Special Agent in Charge - 912-871-1121