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Missing Vero Lake Estates resident John Spencer found dead

Sheriff says suspect in custody on weapons charge
John Robert Spencer
Posted at 10:35 AM, Nov 24, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-24 18:50:38-05

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A 41-year-old man who disappeared from his Vero Lake Estates home earlier this week has been found dead.

According to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, the body of John Spencer was discovered Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff Eric Flowers said a suspect in Spencer's disappearance was in custody on a weapons charge.

Flowers said Scott Hodges provided information that led investigators to the body.

"We spent all night interviewing him and he made statements about Mr. Spencer overdosing, about him being out by a lake, you know, he wasn't alive, just very concerning statements," Flowers told WPTV.

Deputies didn't reveal how Spencer died and had no further immediate details.

"Our thoughts go out to the family," Flowers said in a statement. "Losing a loved one, especially so close to the holidays, is a tragedy. As we're sitting down to our Thanksgiving meals, this family is mourning a loved one lost to violence."

Charges against Hodges are pending.