Deptford Man Killed and Dismembered After Card Game; Camden Family of Three Charged
CAMDEN, NJ — A gruesome investigation has led to the arrest of three family members after police say a Deptford man was murdered and dismembered following a card game in Camden. Authorities confirmed that Everton Thomas, 41, his wife, Sherrie Parker, 41, and their son, Deshawn Thomas, 22, all of Camden, have been charged in connection with the killing of Harold “Hal” Miller Jr., 48, of Deptford Township.
Prosecutors allege the killing took place on June 12 inside a property along the 2600 block of Baird Boulevard in Camden. Miller reportedly attended a late-night card game at the residence around 11:30 p.m. That night would be the last time his family saw him alive.
Two days later, Miller’s family reported him missing, sparking a multi-agency investigation. On the same day the missing person’s report was filed, authorities located Miller’s vehicle in Pennsauken. Investigators soon began piecing together a chilling chain of events through witness statements, cell phone data, and surveillance video.
Surveillance and Evidence Trail
According to police, surveillance footage from the Baird Boulevard property captured what investigators believe to be a single gunshot shortly after Miller entered the residence. However, Miller was never seen leaving.
Instead, investigators say footage showed Everton Thomas moving Miller’s vehicle from Camden to Pennsauken, where it was eventually recovered.
Further investigation revealed a disturbing pattern. Police say that after Miller was last seen entering the property, Sherrie Parker and Deshawn Thomas were captured on surveillance purchasing a chainsaw, containers, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. Authorities allege this was part of an attempt to cover up the crime.
In the days following, police claim Everton and Deshawn were seen making multiple trips to dumpsters at the Tamarack Apartments, loading containers and trash bags into a vehicle before leaving the area.
Search of the Home
On June 20, investigators executed a search warrant at the family’s residence. Inside, they allegedly discovered a firearm belonging to Everton Thomas that contained a 10-round magazine missing a single bullet. Investigators also found what appeared to be bloodstains inside the home. Forensic testing later confirmed the blood matched Miller’s DNA.
The day after the search, authorities say Thomas fled the country, traveling to Canada in an attempt to evade capture.
Arrests and Charges
All three suspects were formally charged on September 5. On September 8, police arrested Sherrie Parker and Deshawn Thomas in Camden. That same day, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents apprehended Everton Thomas at the Port of Buffalo in New York as he attempted to re-enter the United States from Canada aboard a commercial bus.
Everton Thomas has been charged with murder, desecration of human remains, and tampering with physical evidence. Parker and Deshawn face charges of desecration of human remains and tampering with physical evidence.
Thomas remains in custody in New York, awaiting extradition to New Jersey. Parker and her son are being held in Camden County.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active and ongoing. The most haunting detail of the case is that Miller’s remains have yet to be recovered. Investigators continue to search for answers and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
The murder of Harold “Hal” Miller Jr. has shaken both Camden and Deptford communities. Friends and family describe Miller as a kindhearted man whose life was brutally and senselessly taken.
