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Posted by Master of My Universe

True Crime Friday: Henry Eugene Hodges, the Nightclub Serial Killer


Henry Eugene Hodges is an American serial killer. He confessed to murdering at least eight men who were gay between 1988 and 1990. He was tried and convicted of three murders. His reign of terror happened in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Hodges remain a suspect in several other cases. He is currently on death row at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in the State of Tennessee.

The Early Childhood of Henry Hodges

Henry Eugene Hodges was born on August 16, 1966, in the State of Florida. Hodges parents were never married. His father was already married when he met Hodges mother. Their affair lasted for at least eighteen years. She had five sons to raise by different fathers and none of them gave real support to assist with their children. It was an abusive household. Hodges was abused by his father, and his mother was also abused. When Hodges was twelve years old, he was raped by a stranger which left him traumatized for life. He then began his life of crime. He started hanging out with older boys, committing crimes, sniffing glue and gasoline and skipping school.

Hodges ran away from home several times. He began an incestual relationship with his younger brother. He tried to have a relationship with a female cousin but was rejected. At the age of seventeen, he was convicted of kidnapping and robbery and was sentenced to four years in prison. He was released in 1988. He worked in construction and as a printer but because the jobs did not pay enough, he also became a sex worker. He met most of his victims in bars and nightclubs. Hodges was known for his violent behavior and often, many local gay bars took to warn prospective lovers to be wary of and avoid him.

The Accomplice of Henry Hodges

  • Trina Brown
Hodges said she was the only girl that paid attention to him, so he became devoted to her. She was fifteen years old when they met. They met in a bar where Hodges went to pick up clients. She often teased him about being a homosexual which helped fuel him in attacking and murdering his male clients. She became a part of his murderous rampage. They traveled to Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina to commit crimes. Their downfall came when they were spotted in North Carolina at a McDonalds getting food and returning to one of their victim’s homes.

The Victims of Henry Hodges

  • Barry McDonald
  • Ronald A. Bassett
  • Michael A. Whisnant

The Suspected Victims of Henry Hodges

  • Vernon L. Larkin
  • Roland E. Van Dyck
  • Robert S. Sibert
  • Unknown Victim
  • Unknown Victim

Lady Justice

Henry Hodges and Trina Brown were both arrested on May 18, 1990. Brown was sentence to prison but avoided the death penalty. Hodges confessed to the murders of which he was accused. Hodges' profession as a male prostitute and his identification as a serial killer also caused uneasiness and fear among his former clients. Hodges always denied being homosexual. While in prison, Hodges managed to get a razor and cut his penis off. He was rushed to Vanderbilt University Hospital where his penis was reattached.

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