Megan Neely’s Tragic Murder: How a Breakup Turned Deadly and Where Corey Dean Thomas Is Now
Megan Neely was a caring mom from St. Paul, Minnesota, who lost her life tragically in 2011. With her reported disappearance, she was later discovered dead and hidden away in a crawl space under her house. The murderer was her boyfriend, Corey Dean Thomas, a man with a history of violence.
This article examines what happened, explores the case and how the investigation evolved, and describes what became of Thomas after his arrest. It illuminates the red flags, the heartbreaking loss, and the justice system’s response. The story is not only a tragic one, reminding us of the dangers of domestic abuse, but also why early intervention is vital.
The Vanishing of Megan Neely Sounded the First Alarm Bells
In October 2011, Megan Neely failed to attend a family gathering. Her family could immediately sense something wasn’t right. She had left behind her 14-month-old daughter with the child’s father and had never returned for her. Calls went unanswered.
Her sister, Samantha, knew Megan wouldn’t just disappear without explanation. The first time the police searched her house, they found nothing. But they came back just two days later, and what they found had everyone shocked. Megan’s body was concealed in the crawl space beneath her apartment. She had been strangled.
Her Boyfriend, Corey Dean Thomas, Had A History Of Violence
Megan would soon begin dating Corey Dean Thomas. Everything appeared to be going fine outside, but trouble was brewing at home. Her sister was aware of Corey’s track record of violence.
In 2008, he had assaulted a former girlfriend, Lisa Garcia, in front of her family, and he had threatened her with a box cutter. He was released from prison in June 2011, two and a half years before he met Megan. Megan’s close friends said Megan was considering ending the relationship, but feared it wouldn’t be clean.
Megan Wanted To Break Up Before Dying
Megan had spent the day before her disappearance telling Rodgerick Underwood — the father of her youngest child — that she wanted to end things with Corey and get another chance with him. “I was expecting drama,” she said.
Rodgerick would never speak to her again. Corey would later confess they’d argued, and she’d split with him. When her sister called, he picked up Megan’s phone and told her he was returning to Chicago. Then he grabbed the phone and was gone. Police discovered Megan’s body days later.
The Police Followed The Clues To Corey Thomas In Miami
Corey sold his car to his brother on October 17, 2011, and boarded a one-way bus to Miami. It was even suspicious that he would try that move. When he was arrested on Oct. 19, near the Miami airport, for violating parole, they said, he had scratch marks on his neck.
He attributed them to work injuries, although his boss denied there had been a workplace incident. DNA was also discovered under Megan’s fingernails by the investigators. It matched Corey. This provided the last piece of evidence that they needed to bring a murder charge against him.
For The Murder Of Megan, Thomas Was Sentenced To The Maximum Sentence
Corey Dean Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree intentional murder in October 2012. He confessed to murdering Megan in a fit of anger. He explained to investigators that something in him “just kind of switched.”
In December 2012, he was sentenced to 34 years —the maximum under a plea agreement he had reached. He was also directed to pay $7,800 in restitution and received credit for 422 days already served. Megan’s mother, sister, and friends made emotional statements in court about how her death had devastated their lives.
Where Is Corey Dean Thomas Today?
Thomas is now incarcerated at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater in Bayport. He is 44 years old and will be eligible for parole in 2034. Central to the case were his history of domestic violence and the brutal nature of the murder.
Megan is still sorely missed by her loved ones, who keep the memory of the kind, creative soul and doting mom alive. Her story is a cautionary tale about how we can’t disregard abusive behavior and the importance of speaking out.
FAQs
Who was Megan Neely?
Megan Neely, 27, was a mother of four in St. Paul, Minn., who was kind and warm and had two daughters.
How did Megan Neely die?
The boyfriend, Corey Dean Thomas, choked her manually and concealed her body in the crawl space of her apartment.
Who is Corey Dean Thomas?
Thomas is an ex-con with a violent past. He pleaded guilty to killing Megan and is serving a 34-year prison term.
Why did Megan remain with Corey even though he had a history of violence?
The family believes Megan was likely scared to leave Corey after previous experiences with him, and Mother believes she expected breaking things off to be hard.
Where is Corey Thomas now?
He is serving time in Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater, and will be eligible for parole in 2034.
Final Words
The murder of Megan Neely is a tragic demonstration of how domestic violence can develop into something deadly. Her story is a stark reminder not to take warning signs lightly and to act quickly when someone is in danger.
Although justice was finally met in the courts, it is a broken world for her family. May Megan’s life and legacy help bring about greater awareness, aid, and safety for the victims of coercive, abusive relationships.
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