Heartbroken family seeks justice as Conover police search for murder suspect

CONOVER, N.C. (WBTV) - An arrest warrant is out for a suspect named in the death of Tinikia Hodges.

Conover police are searching for Donald Ray Hodges. He is described as a 48-year-old Black man standing 6′6″ tall and weighing about 275 pounds.

[Police investigating after Conover woman found dead in home]

Donald was last known to be driving a 2010 Nissan Altima with chrome wheels. The car has a North Carolina license plate reading ALL-5945.

Police say Donald is considered armed and dangerous.

Tinikia was found dead in her home off 2nd St. SW in Conover on May 5.

[Mother of Conover homicide victim pleads for suspect to turn themselves in]

“I want him caught,” said Tinikia’s mother, who found her daughter that day.

“He didn’t have [to kill] my baby. That was my baby, that was my baby. That was my heart.”

Tinikia’s family said the warrant for Donald’s arrest comes as no surprise and they are ready to fight for justice for Tinikia amidst their heartbreak.

“I’m trying to take it day by day, god mama,” added her goddaughter Fantasia.

“I promise you I am. I love you, I miss you...”

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the Conover Police Department at 828-464-4698.

Copyright 2022 WBTV. All rights reserved.