A 79-year-old Connecticut woman's body was found dismembered in 14 to 16 different trash bags stored in her bedroom. The victim's son, Theodore Lloyd, 27, was then arrested and charged with attempted arson after allegedly trying to burn down his mother's house.
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According to WSFB, Theodore's older brother called police on March 24 after reporting his mother, Tina Lloyd, missing. Reportedly, he hadn't seen his mother in months.
West Haven police arrived at the mother's home on Nasawena Avenue on March 24. Immediately, they noticed a foul smell. Upon further inspection, they found Tina Lloyd dead and dismembered. Between 14 to 16 trash bags contained the dismembered parts of Tina's body, all stored in her bedroom. Based on the evidence, police determined that Tina had been dead for two months.
Detective Jeff Gabianelli, with the West Haven Police Department (WHPD), confirmed that they found "several cutting utensils, there was an electric saw, things of that nature."
Furthermore, police found evidence that suggested someone had tried to burn down the house. Sergeant Allard, also with the WHPD, revealed that there were materials throughout the house, such as "paper type stuff, lighter fluid found, indicative [of a] set up to catch on fire."
Finally, police also found plastic bags filled with evidence and receipts. They also reviewed surveillance footage from a local Walmart and Home Depot. Allegedly, the footage showed Theodore Lloyd leaving with the items police later found in the house.
As per the New Haven Registry, ring camera footage showed that Theodore was the only person who entered and exited the house in January and February 2025.
Arrested And Charged
On Monday, April 14, police arrested Theodore Lloyd. He was charged in Hartford with trespassing, and with attempted arson and attempting to conceal alleged criminal activity in West Haven. As per Police Chief Joseph Perno, Lloyd's arrest was initially delayed due to Tina's body's state of decomposition. To identify her remains, a DNA analysis was required.
Many of Tina's acquaintances and friends described her as a lovely woman. They also felt shocked over the details of her death.
"Such a pleasant woman, it's awful, just awful," Michael Lopenzo, of West Haven, told WFSB.
Tina's neighbor, Denny Steeves, also remembered her fondly.
"She would go up and down the street with her walker," Steeves said. "If she came home with a lot of groceries, I'd ask her, 'Tina, do you want me to help you with your groceries?' and she'd go, 'No, this is how I get my exercise.' Very, very nice lady. Tragic, tragic."
