On August 10, 2023, 66-year-old Thomas Waddell of Zanesville, Ohio, was found dead in his apartment under suspicious circumstances. Police discovered his body wrapped in a blanket and a garbage bag and secured with duct tape, and an autopsy indicated he had been killed more than 12 hours before the 911 call that reported a home invasion. There were no signs of forced entry or theft, and surveillance footage did not support the caller’s account of intruders.

Investigators identified the caller as Waddell’s girlfriend, Deborah L. Frazier. Police say forensic analysis of her internet searches showed queries about loading and firing a gun in the days before the death, and detectives uncovered evidence that she had manipulated another man into contacting Waddell under false pretenses. Motive is reported to be financial gain.

Does anyone have information about Waddell’s life in Zanesville or contacts who might help clarify his last days?