In a horrific case of murder and dismemberment, a Connecticut man, Theodore Lloyd, is facing serious charges after his mother’s body was found chopped up in more than a dozen trash bags inside her home.
Authorities discovered the remains in a locked closet, leading to charges of murder, tampering with evidence, and other crimes.
The Gruesome Discovery
The investigation began on March 24, when Tina Lloyd’s older son requested a welfare check on his 70-year-old mother, who had not been seen in several months. West Haven police responded to the call at her home on Nashawen Avenue and were immediately hit with the stench of decomposition.
Upon entering the house, they found 14 to 16 trash bags in a locked closet, each containing dismembered body parts.
Due to the extreme state of decomposition, identifying Tina Lloyd took some time, but DNA analysis confirmed her identity. Officers also discovered evidence of an attempted arson at the scene, including paper and lighter fluid, which suggested that someone had tried to set fire to the home, possibly to destroy the evidence.
Evidence and Motive
In the course of their investigation, police uncovered surveillance footage showing Theodore Lloyd purchasing tools at Home Depot and Walmart that were linked to the dismemberment.
Authorities reported that among these tools were several cutting utensils, including an electric chainsaw, which were hidden in plastic bags in an attempt to conceal or destroy them.
The investigation revealed that Theodore Lloyd had been living in homelessness at the time of his mother’s death after leaving her home in 2018 following a domestic dispute.
Despite these disturbing details, police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the murder. The police chief noted that the case was a deeply unsettling one, as the body’s condition and the horrific nature of the crime left many unanswered questions.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Theodore Lloyd, 27, was initially charged with attempted arson and trespassing in April, after officers found evidence of an arson attempt at the scene. However, on Thursday, prosecutors added more serious charges of murder and tampering with evidence, based on the disturbing discoveries. Following the new charges, the judge increased Lloyd’s bond from $1 million to $3 million.
Tina Lloyd’s sister, Debbie Hart, expressed her desire for justice and closure, attending every court hearing. “I just want closure so we can heal. We just need to heal,” Hart said in an interview with local CBS affiliate WFSB.
Community Shock and Loss
The discovery of Tina Lloyd’s body has shaken her community. Neighbors described her as an active and kind person, despite her age, who would often walk around the neighborhood with her walker.
“We missed her, we hadn’t seen her,” said neighbor Denny Steeves, who recalled offering to help Tina with her groceries. “Very, very nice lady. Tragic, tragic,” Steeves added.
The case of Tina Lloyd’s tragic death highlights a brutal and disturbing crime. As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left in shock over the brutal nature of the murder.
With Theodore Lloyd now facing multiple charges, his family and the community await the resolution of the case, hoping for closure and justice.
