Midland, Michigan – After more than four years of intensive investigative work, two Midland County brothers have been arrested and charged in connection with the 2020 homicide of a 75-year-old woman. James Arthur Hintz, Jr., 32, and Kody Clyde Hintz, 29, are currently being held at the Midland County Jail on a $5 million cash or surety bond each. The arrests mark a significant development in a cold case that has weighed heavily on the community since the tragic events of November 11, 2020.
The brothers are facing multiple serious charges filed by the Midland County Prosecutor’s Office, including Felony Murder, Open Murder, Breaking and Entering, Larceny of Firearms, and Felony Firearm. The charges stem from the violent death of Thelma Hofmann, a longtime resident of Mt. Haley Township, whose life was cut short during a fatal encounter in the early morning hours nearly five years ago.
According to officials, the incident occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. on November 11, 2020, when deputies from the Midland County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 151 E. Bradford Road in response to a medical emergency involving a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, emergency responders from the Midland Township Fire Department and MyMichigan-Midland EMS found Hofmann suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite their rapid response and efforts to provide medical aid, Hofmann was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the incident, few leads were publicly disclosed, and the case quickly went cold. However, law enforcement agencies continued to pursue justice behind the scenes. Years of collaboration, forensic review, and dogged determination by multiple investigative bodies have now led to the arrests of the Hintz brothers.
“This was a senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community,” said Midland County Sheriff Scott Holzinger. “Our investigators have worked tirelessly to ensure the individuals responsible are held accountable.”
The sheriff’s sentiments were echoed by Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks, who emphasized the legal system’s responsibility to bring justice for Hofmann and her family. “Our office is committed to pursuing justice for the victim in this case and her family,” Brooks stated. “We will ensure that the facts of this case are presented thoroughly and fairly in court.”
The successful development in the case is a result of the combined efforts of several local, state, and federal agencies. In addition to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office, assistance was provided by the Michigan State Police 3rd District Cold Case Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Western Michigan University Cold Case Program, and the Midland County Dive Team.
Officials are remaining tight-lipped about specific details regarding the evidence that led to the arrests, citing the ongoing judicial process. “As the matter is now before the courts, no further details will be released at this time,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office clarified.
It is important to note that criminal charges are merely allegations, and both James and Kody Hintz are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case has brought renewed attention to the importance of persistence in cold case investigations and highlights the emotional toll that violent crime can have on a community. Hofmann, remembered by neighbors as a kind and quiet individual, is now at the center of a case that authorities hope will finally bring closure to her loved ones.
As the legal proceedings begin to unfold, Midland County residents can take some solace in the knowledge that law enforcement has not given up on justice — even when answers take years to surface.
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