The remains of retired DPD officer Stefan Hodo were discovered in Stoke Ballpark, located near the intersection of Outer Drive and Evergreen on the city’s west side. Hodo had been missing for nearly two weeks before his body was found close to his residence.
The discovery was made after diligent police work. Hodo’s cellphone had last pinged in the area, prompting officers to revisit the location, where they made the tragic discovery in a small wooded area. The neighborhood watch group had also searched the area earlier that day.
The mystery surrounding Hodo’s disappearance began to unravel on June 30th when a neighbor was caught on camera firing a gun that allegedly belonged to Hodo into a home on Ferguson Street. This incident, along with the discovery of photos, guns, and a black Lexus sedan, sparked concern among family and former colleagues.
Police Chief James White expressed condolences and highlighted the ongoing investigation into the cause of Hodo’s death, which could be attributed to gunshot wounds, blunt force trauma, or suicide. The scene was preserved for evidence technicians to conduct a thorough examination.
The Detroit Police Department faced a somber week with the loss of one of its own. The community was urged to keep Hodo’s family in their thoughts and prayers as investigations continued.