Thomas Liebel, 33, of Forest City, North Carolina, was found dead from a gunshot wound on July 27, 2021, at 150 Candy Turf Lane. Deputies from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office discovered his body and detectives opened an investigation.

Investigators identified Andrew Franklin Hodge as the primary suspect. Hodge was charged with felony murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling, arrested in Florida after warrants were issued, and extradited to Rutherford County. He was held without bond on the murder charge, with an additional bond set for other warrants. His first court appearance was scheduled for September 11, 2021.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for information as the investigation continued. If anyone has information about Thomas Liebel or the events at Candy Turf Lane, please come forward.