Deana Thetford, a woman from New Mexico, has been arrested for the murder of her husband, Craig Thetford, after allegedly lying about his disappearance and attempting to cover up his death.
The 36-year-old woman was apprehended in Texas after a warrant was issued for her arrest, facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The Discovery of Craig Thetford’s Body
Craig Thetford, 60, was reported missing in May, with his family saying they hadn’t heard from him since January. On June 17, police discovered his body, wrapped in plastic and covered with white powder and trash, at the home he shared with his wife, Deana.
The Initial Lies
When Otero County Sheriff’s deputies first arrived at the Thetford home in May, Deana told them that Craig had gone to Mexico with a new girlfriend. She claimed they were getting a divorce and that he was fishing in Mexico, taking $1.5 million in cash with him, which he allegedly kept in two safes at home.
However, her story quickly shifted. She later told police that her husband had gone to Texas to care for his mother, but this claim was disputed by Craig’s sister.
A Shifting Story and Discovery of the Body
The investigation took a dark turn when Deana’s daughter revealed a disturbing story. She told police that her mother had confessed to shooting Craig multiple times after a physical altercation, during which he allegedly pushed her down the stairs.
After killing him, Deana reportedly left his body in the pool room for two days before wrapping it in plastic and a rug and using a tractor to drag it out to the carport, where it remained hidden.
The Search and Evidence Found
On June 17, a search warrant was executed at the Thetford home, where authorities found Craig’s body, exactly where Deana had said she left it — in the carport, wrapped in plastic, blankets, and moths. An autopsy confirmed that Craig was shot multiple times and that he had been dead for several weeks.
The Financial Motive
While the police were investigating, they also uncovered that Deana had purchased property in Seymour, Texas, earlier this year using cash.
A locksmith opened the safes, which Deana had claimed were inaccessible, revealing over $84,000 in cash, along with firearms and ammunition. This discovery led to growing suspicions about the source of her sudden wealth.
Deana Thetford’s Arrest
Deana Thetford was arrested in Texas, where she had been living after leaving New Mexico. She is now in custody at the Wichita County Jail without bond, facing first-degree murder and tampering with evidence charges.
