78-year-old man indicted over death of Lockerbie woman missing since 1984
Marion Hodge's body has never been found after disapperance 39 years ago
Last updated 22nd Dec 2023
There could finally be a breakthrough in the search for a Lockerbie mum who has been missing for 39 years.
Marion Hodge was officially declared dead in 1992 as detectives continued to look for clues. They launched a massive re-appeal last year.
Now they’ve revealed that a 78-year-old man has been served an indictment in connection with her death.
Detective Inspector Angela Barr, senior investigating officer, said: “A number of people have contacted police to provide information following our re-appeal from February 2022. I would like to thank them for their assistance, along with all those who have helped with the investigation so far.”
Marion is understood to have been dropped off in the Whitesands area of Dumfries around 7.30am on Friday, 6 July, 1984. She was reported to be carrying a blue canvas suitcase and brown handbag, wearing a cream high collared blouse, grey skirt and black sandals. Three days later she was reported missing to Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary.
The mother-of-two lived in Balgray, Lockerbie, and worked in the town’s Clydesdale Bank. She was described as 5ft 4in tall, slim build with dark brown collar length hair. She was 34 years old at the time of her disappearance.
Following her disappearance with no further sightings or contact, Marion was declared legally dead by the Court of Session, Edinburgh, in 1992. Her body has never been found.
Her sister Frances said last year: “When we were told that she had ‘gone away’ we believed this was uncharacteristic of Marion as she wouldn't have left in that manner.
“She would never have turned her back on her children. The day Marion disappeared was her son's 15th birthday. She thought too much of her children and would never have run out on them like that.”