PEWAUKEE — A man accused of killing a Pewaukee woman was living next door to her before his parents kicked him out last month, according to law enforcement.
Adrian Thomas, 26, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse, identity theft, and operating a vehicle without the owner's consent. He is accused of killing 56-year-old Joanne Curley.
Thomas made his initial appearance Monday in Waukesha County Court.
Curley was found in her condo's basement on Meadowcreek and Lexington after Pewaukee Police were called to do a welfare check Jan. 3.
The Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office believes Curley was strangled.
"Allegedly the homicide happened December 31, and throughout December 31 and January 3 there are allegations of continued activity in the house, around the house, using the credit card, etc.," Waukesha County Court Commissioner Kevin Costello said.
According to investigators, Thomas, who also has a warrant from Arizona, was staying at Curley's house in that time frame. At one point, he brought a guest in and told them he was dog sitting.
"It is difficult to read that complaint and if these allegations are true your decision making causes me a lot of concern," Costello said.
Curley's family has said Joanne loved animals, cooking, and especially her sons, grandchildren and dog.
