Criminal charges will soon be upgraded for 53-year-old Phillip DeWoody of Opelousas, who is in custody in connection with the disappearance of Joyce Thomas of Ville Platte. The 72-year-old’s body was found Monday along Interstate-49 between Sunset and Opelousas. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says a surveillance photo from her apartment complex shows that DeWoody was the last person with her
“The family had released a picture from a doorbell camera type of thing that captured his photo, so he was early on a suspect from what I gather. And he did admit personally admit that it was him. He did confirm that it was his photo,” said Gossen.
Thomas who is deaf and mute was reported missing on February 26th.
“Law enforcement agencies working together were able to locate a body now confirmed to be that of Joyce Thomas in a remote, wooded area,” said Gossen.
The Advocate newspaper reports that court documents show the suspect has been in and out of prison after convictions including two armed robberies and escaping prison at knifepoint.
“I do know that he has somewhat of an extensive history from what I’ve seen by other agencies that are reporting on the case. There is a lot there that remains to be discovered with his background,” said Gossen.
DeWoody is also facing a second-degree kidnapping charge from a separate case.
Department of Public Safety and Corrections records show DeWoody was paroled in June. He had been in prison on armed robbery and prison escape convictions.
