The Disappearance of Equilla Lynn Hodrick

 


The Disappearance of Equilla Lynn Hodrick

Name: Equilla Lynn Hodrick
Missing Since: August 12, 1985
Missing From: Bronx, New York
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date of Birth: August 19, 1976
Age at Disappearance: 8 years old
Height: 4 ft 11 in
Weight: 80 pounds

Physical Description

Equilla was an African American girl with brown hair and hazel eyes. She wore eyeglasses and had pierced ears. She had a noticeable gap between her upper front teeth and several identifying scars: one near her right eye and another on her right cheek. Investigators also noted discoloration on her back and buttocks.

Clothing

When she disappeared, Equilla was wearing:

  • Cut-off blue jeans

  • A white tank top with yellow and red markings

  • Light blue sneakers

  • Eyeglasses

Timeline of Events

August 12, 1985 – The Last Time Equilla Was Seen

On the evening of August 12, 1985, eight-year-old Equilla was sitting on the front porch of her family’s home on Briggs Avenue in the Bronx with her mother, Terona Hodrick, who was eight months pregnant at the time.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., some friends stopped by to speak with Terona. As the adults talked, Equilla heard the familiar music of a Mr. Softee ice cream truck parked at the corner of Briggs Avenue and East 194th Street.

Equilla asked her mother for money for ice cream but was told no because she had already been given spending money earlier that day. Despite this, she ran down the block toward the truck. Because Terona was heavily pregnant, she could not run after her. She believed her daughter would return shortly, as she normally did when playing nearby.

This was the last time Terona saw her daughter.

A Possible Later Sighting

Later that evening, Equilla’s cousin reported seeing her playing video games at a local arcade on the corner not far from the ice cream truck. However, this sighting was never confirmed by investigators.

When night fell and Equilla still had not returned home, her mother became alarmed and contacted the police.

The Search

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) quickly launched an extensive search for the missing child. Bloodhounds were brought in to track her scent.

The dogs followed Equilla’s scent from Briggs Avenue to Webster Avenue near the Metro-North railroad tracks.

Investigators believed the trail might lead toward an area where homeless encampments were located near the tracks, prompting a search of the area. However, officials had difficulty gaining permission to stop trains so a thorough search could be conducted, which slowed the investigation. Despite the efforts of detectives and volunteers, no trace of Equilla was ever found.

Police searched nearby apartment buildings and distributed flyers with Equilla’s photograph throughout the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Early Investigation

The case was handled by detectives from the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct, including veteran detective Frankie McDonald. Investigators interviewed numerous people in the neighborhood and attempted to identify the ice cream truck driver who had been working the area that evening. The vendor reportedly told police he did not remember seeing Equilla.

At one point, detectives questioned a man who had children’s dolls in his possession and appeared to have emotional issues, but he was ultimately cleared of involvement.

Another person who drew investigators’ attention was a man from Yonkers who had previously been in a relationship with Equilla’s mother. Witnesses reported seeing him nearby on the evening of the disappearance, and detectives questioned him multiple times. Despite suspicions, police were never able to connect him to the crime.

Limited Media Attention

Despite the disturbing circumstances, Equilla’s disappearance received very little media coverage compared to other missing children cases in New York during the 1980s. Some investigators and advocates later suggested that the lack of publicity may have hindered the investigation.

Her case occurred just a few years after the highly publicized disappearance of Etan Patz, but the level of national attention was drastically different.

Later Developments

  • Over the years, age-progression images have been created showing what Equilla might look like as an adult.

  • Her case has been entered into national databases including NamUs and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

  • The NYPD cold case squad has periodically reviewed the case in hopes that new technology or tips could lead to answers.

If she is still alive today, Equilla would be 49 years old.

Current Status

Equilla Lynn Hodrick has never been found, and no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance. The case remains classified as a non-family abduction and is still considered unsolved.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the New York City Police Department.

Sources
Charley Project
Doe Network
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Our Black Girls – Cold Case Article
NY Press Article on the Hodrick Case
Uncovered Case Database


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