Police arrest suspect in connection to murder investigation

Police charged a woman with murder in connection with the city’s first homicide of the year.

Police charged Thea Debra Gliddy, 28, with second-degree murder Thursday. The charge comes after police found the body of Randy Lawrence Cromarty, 39, which was discovered at the Inntowner Motor Hotel around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Thunder Bay Police Service Det. Sgt. Don Lewis, of the force’s Criminal Investigative Branch, said Cromarty appears to have succumbed to his injuries after a severe beating.

"It was a beating to an extent that we believe it caused Mr. Cromarty’s death however the post mortem, which will be conducted tomorrow morning, will determine the cause of his death hopefully," Lewis said. "I am able to say that the injuries he does have don’t relate to a firearm in any way."

Gliddy, who was acquainted with Cromarty, was arrested at the hotel Wednesday for intoxication after the body had been discovered. She was charged after an investigation from CIB.

She first appeared in court Thursday morning. Gliddy will remain in custody with her next court appearance scheduled for June 23.