ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A woman from Zanesville, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to the murder of her boyfriend, Thomas Waddell, after previously claiming that he had been killed during a robbery at his apartment. Deborah L. Frazier, 36, entered her guilty plea on Monday at the Muskingum County Common Pleas Court.
The incident occurred on August 10, 2023, when Frazier called 911 alleging that she had encountered burglars in Waddell’s apartment. She claimed that she was shot in the leg as the intruders fled. However, upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Waddell’s body wrapped in a blanket and secured with duct tape.
Police investigated the supposed home invasion and burglary claims, but found that the apartment appeared undisturbed and no valuables were missing. Additionally, there was no video footage of intruders leaving the premises. An autopsy determined that Waddell had been dead for over 12 hours before Frazier made the call.
Further investigation revealed that Frazier had another boyfriend at the time who she enlisted to pose as a bank fraud investigator during phone calls to Waddell. Financial records showed that Frazier and Waddell shared a joint account, and the balance had significantly dropped. Detectives suspect financial motives led to the crime.
Additionally, analysis of Frazier’s phone uncovered search history related to loading and uncocking a revolver pistol. Furthermore, DNA evidence connecting Frazier to the duct tape and garbage bags used to conceal Waddell’s body was found.
The Statement of Facts from the plea stated, “After days of planning, on the evening of August 9, 2023, Deborah Frazier stood behind Thomas Waddell as he sat in his recliner. She raised his .22 caliber pistol, aimed it at the back of his head, and executed him in his living room.”
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle, stated that Frazier will serve a life sentence for her crime. Litle added that the plea deal allows Frazier to take responsibility for her actions and avoids the risks associated with a trial.
Frazier has a history of making false allegations, including previous claims of assault that were later debunked.