John Robert Robby Spencer, 41, of Vero Beach, Florida, died on November 22, 2021. A graduate of Sebastian River High School who played baseball and football, Robby was remembered by family as kind-hearted, handy, and fun-loving. His sudden death devastated relatives and friends.

Authorities say the death was a homicide. A close friend, 44-year-old Scott James Hodges, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Investigators report the two men drove to a wooded area after an argument; Hodges shot Robby multiple times in the chest. Hodges told deputies he fired in self-defense because he believed Robby was armed and acting erratically, but deputies found no evidence Robby threatened Hodges with a weapon and described inconsistencies in Hodges’ account. Investigators also say Hodges had a stolen firearm that was used in the shooting.

Hodges was held without bond at the Indian River County Jail and the legal proceedings were ongoing. Does anyone have information about Robby’s last known movements or the argument that preceded the shooting?