In a case that has haunted Nevada County for over a decade, new advancements have led to a significant step towards justice. Eric Craig Hodges, 48, stood before the court at his preliminary hearing on October 24, and was held to answer on one count of murder with a gun enhancement in the alleged homicide of Delbert Wilder, a Grass Valley resident found dead in 2011. This development is attributed to new witness testimony and improvements in DNA technology.
Wilder, 63, was found with a fatal gunshot wound on his property after a requested welfare check on Nov. 15, 2011. Despite the passing years, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) and dedicated MCU Deputy Rory Sonnier, never relented in their pursuit of closure for Wilder's family. It was the release of a cold case documentary, "Murderer Among Us," on the 12th anniversary of the homicide that turned the tides, with community engagement following its dissemination through media outlets and social platforms, leading to fresh leads and crucial evidence. "Twelve years is a long time to wait for an arrest, but when we bring a homicide case to our DA, it’s imperative that we have sufficient evidence and proof of the crime committed and who committed it," Sheriff Shannan Moon stated at the time of Hodges' arrest, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
Following the preliminary hearing, Hodges is slated to remain in custody at Wayne Brown Correctional Facility without the possibility of bail. The NCSO, alongside the District Attorney's Office has expressed optimism in the legal proceedings moving in favor of rendering justice. While the DA's office has charged Hodges with the murder, a trial date remains pending. Notably, Hodges had been arrested early this year, on January 3, by the MCU.
The documentary that reinvigorated interest in the Wilder case, continues to be accessible online for viewing and sharing. For those interested in understanding the depth of this case or coming forth with any further information, can watch, "Murderer Among Us," via YouTube or the Nevada County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page.
