Media Release: Ninth Judicial District Attorney
Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney, Quentin Ray, announced today that a Clovis man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the double homicide of Kennedy Hodge, 53 years-old, and Ricky Johnson, 58 years-old, in 2021.
On May 22, 2025, District Court Judge Drew Tatum presided over a 4-day jury trial, whereby a Curry County jury found 58-year-old Danny Price guilty of two counts of First-Degree Murder (a capital felony), Tampering with Evidence (a third-degree felony), and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer (a misdemeanor).
The charges stem from a deadly shooting that occurred on April 28, 2021, in Clovis. Officers responded to a report of shots fired and a suspect fleeing the scene. Through investigation, law enforcement discovered two victims, Ricky Johnson and Kennedy Hodge. Hodge was found lying on the ground next to a vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence on East 5th Street. Johnson was located at a nearby Family Dollar store where he attempted to get help. Johnson had been shot twice, and Hodge four times, both at close range.
Eyewitnesses identified Price running north bound away from the scene and after some pursuit law enforcement officers were able to intercept and arrest Price.
Both victims were transported to Plains Regional Medical Center. Hodge was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. Johnson was airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, where he died during emergency surgery.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence to the jury including video surveillance footage placing Danny Price at the scene of the crime, DNA evidence linking Price to both the firearm and clothing recovered, and ballistics analysis matching recovered shell casings to the weapon used in the shooting. Body camera footage capturing Ricky Johnson, prior to his death, identifying Price as the shooter on two separate occasions was also presented which assisted jurors in making their unanimous decision.
“Those two individuals did nothing to provoke Danny Price on that day. It was premediated and the unsuspecting victims were both shot and killed by Danny Price. The families lost their loved ones, people near and dear to their heart. In this case it was all captured on video. There is absolutely no justification or provocation for what happened that day.,” stated Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jake Boazman. The State asked for two consecutive life sentences.
Prosecutor Anthony Jaimes said, “After four long years, and multiple attempts to halt the court process by Danny Price, the District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with law enforcement agencies have come together to secure justice for the families of Ricky Johnson and Kennedy Hodge.”
Family members of both victims were present for every hearing throughout the case and were present for both the jury trial and sentencing. During the sentencing hearing, family members of the victims shared the devastating impact of the crimes.
Sherry Castrow described her brother Ricky as the oldest of five children, a loving and selfless man who always told his family he loved them. She said the family will never hear those words again, recalling the heartbreak of first being told he would survive his injuries, only to later learn he had not made it.
James Johnson, another brother, clarified that contrary to suggestions in court, the defendant was not a friend of his brother. He said he forgives the defendant in God’s eyes and expressed hope that his brother’s death would not be in vain.
Bertha Hodge, speaking for her late brother Kenny, shared that he had told her the very morning of his death that he planned to change his life. Hours later, she received the call that he was gone. She said the tragedy has left her sister struggling with mental illness. While offering forgiveness as a Christian, she asked the Court to impose the maximum sentence and prayed that the defendant finds God.
During sentencing Judge Tatum noted Price’s lack of remorse and accountability and stated “there is no greater inhumanity than to take the lives of two human beings” before issuing the ruling.
Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jake Boazman, and Senior Trial Attorney, Anthony Jaimes, led the prosecution of the case. The investigation was conducted by the Major Crimes Unit, a collaborative task force comprised of the Curry and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Offices, Clovis and Portales Police Departments, and Ninth District Attorney’s Office investigators.
Danny Price was represented by Todd Holmes.
