TO ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED MELISSA ANNE HERSTRUM (1972-1992),
Nearly 30 years ago, on January 27th, 1992, Melissa Anne Herstrum was kidnapped and murdered by University of Toledo police officer Jeffrey Hodge. Melissa, our dear friend, our sister, our daughter, was only 19 years old and her young life, full of such immense promise and vitality, was extinguished that cold January day by extreme violence.
Jeffrey Hodge confessed to these crimes. On May 6th, 1993, Jeffrey Hodge stood before the court and plead guilty. When asked by Judge Lanzinger why he killed Melissa he replied, “I don’t know, for no reason.” When asked by Dr. James King (expert witness) why he shot Melissa 14 times, Jeffrey Hodge said, “Anger, explosive anger.”1
Jeffrey Hodge [Inmate #A275835] is now eligible for parole.
Jeffrey Hodge is an unrepentant violent confessed killer who does not deserve another chance at a life that he denied Melissa. Friends, your help is needed to make sure he stays behind bars.
Please, remember where you were in 1992 when you heard Melissa had been killed. Read the news reports from back then, now online, to remind yourself of the emotions of those days. Reminisce about what it was like to be 19, with your whole life ahead of you, and think of the years you have enjoyed since. Then please, please write a letter to the parole board. Tell them Jeffrey Hodge stole an incredible young woman from the world and that he deserves to remain incarcerated for his violent and senseless actions. This is an urgent request.
PLEASE THIS IS AN URGENT REQUEST. JEFFREY HODGE IS ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE ON SPETEMBER 2021. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE.
Letters can be mailed to:
Ohio Parole Board
Ref: Jeffrey Hodge [A275835]
4545 Fisher Road, Suite D
Columbus, OH 43228
Or emailed to:
DRC.Victim.Services@odrc.state.oh.us
Subject: Jeffrey Hodge [A275835]
Thank you for doing this in loving memory of Melissa.
1The Toledo Blade, December 11, 1997, by George J. Tanber