Jeremy Hodges, 27, of Ridgway, was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of murder after investigators were able to follow up on a tip from a “citizen informant,” Sheriff Rick Dunlap and District Attorney Myrl Serra said at a Monday press conference.
Formal charges have not been filed and Serra said Hodges is innocent until proven guilty.
  
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“I don’t think they would’ve moved unless they felt they had a solid case. I hope they have a strong case and the right person, because it will bring closure.”
A bicyclist found Steven Kublin, 50, dead Nov. 9, 2006 in the adobe hill area near the landfill. Kublin’s body was burned after he died, and the manner of death obviously a homicide, according to the former coroner.
The cause of death has never been publicly released.
Kublin, a free-spirited man with links to the Rainbow Family, was last seen alive Nov. 6, 2006, near Delta. Investigators traced his work history to a ranch in Paonia and learned of distinctive items he might be carrying.
Investigator Richard DeWeber told the Daily Press in February the trail had grown cold.
That all changed about six weeks ago, when according to Serra, someone who knew Hodges came forward with information.
Investigators with the MCSO and Colorado Bureau of Investigation — which were also assisted by the Montrose Police in a cooperative effort — followed up on that, and secured an arrest warrant.
Hodges was being held without bond prior to an advisement slated for this afternoon. Further details about the arrest itself, or any statement Hodges might have made, were not immediately available.
No court file was available Monday afternoon.
Dunlap and Serra were not able to specify what pointed to Hodges as a suspect, or whether he knew Kublin. Hodges formerly had a home in Montrose, Serra said.
The sheriff and DA did not say whether there were other suspects.
“This has been a long 17 (sic) months for us and also for the Kublin family,” Dunlap said. “It was very frustrating at times, but we followed up on each lead. We’re very happy with the results.”
Ron Kublin, the victim’s brother, lived with that frustration daily — in February, he said the turnaround time for evidence at the crime lab was “unacceptable,” although he was appreciative of efforts being made. Monday, he said he was optimistic but guarded, because Hodges is innocent until proven guilty.
“I want to thank the MCSO for the work they’ve done,” he said.
“It has to be a difficult thing to do something like that (tell authorities) if it’s someone you know,” Ron Kublin said, thanking that person.
The family continues to take one day at a time.
“I think everyone deals with it in their own way,” Estelle Kublin said. She said Ron and her other son, Joe, were both having an especially difficult time with their brother’s murder.
“This is really good news,” she said, through tears, of the arrest. “Steven, he’s at peace, wherever he is.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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