A New Jersey family has been charged after authorities allege they played shocking roles in the murder and dismemberment of a Deptford man whose remains have yet to be found.
According to the New York Post, prosecutors say Everton Thomas shot Harold Miller at a Camden home in June before his wife and son helped hide the crime by dismembering the body and disposing of it using a chainsaw and garbage bags.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges on September 5 against Everton Thomas, 41, his wife, Sherrie Parker, 41, and their son, Deshawn Thomas, 22. All three are accused in connection with the June death of 48-year-old Harold Miller, who was last seen on June 12 while playing cards at a friend’s house in Camden.
Investigators said surveillance video captured Miller arriving at the family’s residence on Baird Boulevard around 11:30 a.m. the same day. Shortly after, a gunshot was heard coming from inside the home, and Miller was never seen leaving again.
He was reported missing two days later, on June 14, after friends and family were unable to reach him. That report launched an investigation into his whereabouts, eventually pointing investigators to the Thomas household.
Digital and surveillance clues point to the family
Cell phone data placed Miller at the Thomas residence shortly after he left his friend's house. A witness living at the home told investigators that Deshawn admitted his father had asked him to help "chop up" a body.
According to prosecutors, Sherrie Parker and Deshawn Thomas purchased a chainsaw, along with large containers, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies, following the shooting. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Deshawn and Everton Thomas later disposing of heavy trash bags into apartment complex dumpsters at Tamarack Apartments in Camden.
For three days after Miller disappeared, Everton allegedly refused to let anyone down into the home's basement, the witness told authorities. Authorities believe this was part of an effort to conceal what had happened to Miller.
Police search finds blood and a loaded gun
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Thomas residence on June 20. During the search, investigators discovered bloodstains inside the property and a loaded firearm in Everton Thomas’ possession.
One day after the search, Everton attempted to cross into Canada by bus. He was stopped and arrested by border officials at the Port of Buffalo after entering Canada and attempting to flee law enforcement. Despite extensive investigation, Miller’s body has not yet been recovered. Prosecutors believe the remains were dismembered and disposed of in a way that complicates recovery efforts.
Family charged with a range of serious offenses
Everton Thomas has been charged with first-degree murder, desecrating human remains, and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors allege he fired the fatal shot inside the family home and then tried to orchestrate the cover-up.
Sherrie Parker and Deshawn Thomas have not been charged with murder but face counts of desecrating human remains and tampering with evidence. Investigators say the pair played a vital role in efforts to conceal the killing. Deshawn allegedly told the witness about his role in helping dismember the remains. The same witness said Sherrie Parker remarked that “a wife got to do what she’s got to do,” showing a commitment to protecting her husband despite the alleged crimes.
Camden community reacts to news of charges
Residents expressed disbelief following the announcement of charges. Neighbors near Baird Boulevard said they were shocked that a crime of such brutality could have happened only steps from their homes. Authorities have not explained what may have motivated the shooting and dismemberment. No prior connection between Thomas and Miller has been made public.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with information about Miller’s final whereabouts to come forward. While the defendants remain in custody, court dates have yet to be announced.
