Worship Leader Arrested after Body Found in Freezer


MOBILE, Ala.) July 29 -- Police have charged a 37-year-old Mobile man with murder after finding a woman's body in a freezer at his home.

Police discovered the body Monday night in the home in north Mobile and arrested Anthony Hopkins.

Police spokeswoman Nancy Johnson said the body was not immediately identified, but police believe her to be Hopkins' 36-year-old wife, Arletha Hopkins.
She was never reported missing but police said she has not been seen in public for at least three years.

Police say they discovered the body after the oldest of his eight children accused him of sexual abuse. The teen, a 19-year-old, reported Hopkins impregnated her. Police confirmed the teen is pregnant.

Hopkins has been charged with the rape and sodomy. His seven remaining children have been taken into protective custody.

Hopkins also led a family musical group called the "Sensational Hopkins Singers." The gospel group performed at the annual BayFest Music Festival in Mobile.

Neighbors knew Hopkins as "Rev." because he attended church nearly every day. He was arrested Monday night after a revival at the Inspirational Tabernacle Church in Jackson, Ala. According to Beverly Jackson, the pastor at Inspirational Tabernacle COGIC, where the revival was held Monday night, Hopkins told her that his wife died four years ago while giving birth to their youngest son

Police say the body must thaw for a few days before it can be positively identified.

Hopkins was being held without bond pending a court hearing Wednesday. It was not known Tuesday if he had hired an attorney.



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