The Orlando Police Department recently announced an aggravated manslaughter arrest in a local group home death case.
On July 23, 2023, officers with the Orlando Police Department responded to 4001 Kaluga Park Street in reference to a medical call.
During the investigation, the victim, 29-year-old Francine Thomas, was transported to Advent Health. Later that morning, Thomas was declared deceased.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Thomas was staying at a group home under the care of the suspect who has been identified as 57-year-old Deborah Benita Hodge.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Thomas had excessive levels of prescribed medication in her system. At the conclusion of this investigation, the Orlando Police Department’s Homicide Unit obtained an arrest warrant charging Deborah Benita Hodge with Aggravated Manslaughter.
Hodge was arrested by the Orlando Police Department Fugitive Investigative Unit.
This investigation is ongoing, according to OPD. Local law enforcement is still encouraging anyone who has information related to this incident to contact the Orlando Police Homicide Unit or pass on their information anonymously through Crimeline.
