Ladson Man Extradited for Murder Charge

A Myrtle Beach woman was killed in Kansas in early September, and Overland Park Police have fingered a Ladson man as the suspect, according to multiple media reports.

John Meredith Hodges was in Columbia, South America, when he was extradited on a murder charge last week. He has been charged with murder 1st degree and has a bond of $25 million.

His preliminary court appearance is 4 p.m. Nov. 13.

Hodges is accused in the death of Dr. Franchesca D. Brown, who was reported missing Sept. 9. Her body was discovered in a wooded area near her hotel Overland Park, where she was staying for a conference.

The Kansas City Star reported:

Police said Hodges and Brown had an off-and-on relationship, and she may have invited him to meet her at the conference. Hodges flew to Colombia after Brown last was seen. A federal fugitive warrant was issued for his arrest ...

In addition to murder, Hodges faces eight charges of identity theft, one charge of computer crime and two charges of credit card fraud relating to the use of Brown’s identity.

Click here to read more.

The Post and Courier delved into both Hodges' and Brown's personal life in this recent story, questioning why Hodges would be accused of Brown's murder.