EDGEWOOD, MD—An Edgewood woman was sentenced this week to life in prison, with all but 180 years suspended, for a 2019 arson that killed four people. Bobbie Sue Hodge, 66, received the new sentence after her previous 2022 conviction was remanded for a new trial by the Appellate Court of Maryland.
The Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of Hodge, stating the new conviction and sentence will ensure she serves more time before becoming eligible for parole than under her original sentence.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that a dwelling fire was reported at 1962 Simons Court in Edgewood around 2:30 a.m. on May 9, 2019. Firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company responded to extinguish the blaze. Three residents died in the fire from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. A fourth resident, rescued by firefighters, died eight months later from their injuries. Three other residents escaped, with one sustaining serious injuries after jumping from a top-floor window.
A joint investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives determined the fire was incendiary, resulting from deliberate acts of introducing an open flame to combustibles. Investigators learned that Hodge, who lived in a basement room of the residence, escaped the fire fully clothed with her belongings and personal documents. It was discovered that Hodge was facing eviction, had repeatedly left the kitchen stove on, and had made comments about burning the residence down. Witnesses also reported seeing her move away from a second-floor couch as the fire began. The blaze extended to five adjacent townhouses, causing significant property damage.
Circuit Court Judge Paul W. Ishak sentenced Hodge to 40 years of incarceration for each of the four counts of first-degree felony murder and 20 years for three counts of second-degree assault. The sentences are to run consecutively, resulting in an aggregate sentence of 180 years to serve.
Following the hearing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey commented, “It can be very challenging to retry cases that were already successfully prosecuted when they are remanded for retrial. However, I am proud of the work my office does each day to seek justice for victims, no matter the obstacles and circumstances. Despite the hurdles, my office was able to secure a new sentence that will ensure that Bobbie Sue Hodge is never a danger to society again.”
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