St. Louis, Mo. — A man has been charged with first-degree murder more than three years after the fatal shooting of his partner. Karl Mayberry, 34, faces charges stemming from the December 2021 death of Alvatyne Thomas, 31, who was discovered in her home with signs of violence.
According to court documents, Thomas was found deceased on December 27, 2021, during a welfare check at a residence on Oregon Avenue. Officers reported that she had a plastic bag taped around her head, along with severe injuries including swelling on her forehead and several defensive wounds. The tragic scene also involved bleach poured over her body, indicating a possible attempt to destroy evidence.
In the weeks following the incident, Mayberry told investigators that he had been at work during the time of the shooting. However, coworkers disputed his claims, stating that he had left his job for several hours and returned acting unusually distressed and wearing different clothing.
Investigators later uncovered information from Mayberry’s phone that raised further suspicion. Just before Thomas’s death, he had allegedly searched for terms like “first-degree murder defenses” and sought clarification on the admissibility of hearsay in Missouri murder cases. Additionally, records indicate that after Thomas died, he messaged an acquaintance detailing her death before any information had been publicly disclosed by law enforcement.
Family members of Thomas expressed their belief that she was in an abusive relationship with Mayberry, who is the father of her youngest child. Thomas’s sister, Dewanna Coleman, commented on her feelings of relief following the filing of charges against Mayberry, stating, “I love her and I miss her. Just torn. I never would think Christmas would’ve been my last day seeing her.”
Coleman described the long wait for justice and emphasized her belief that no one else could have committed such an act against her sister. Another sister, Cheneish Johnson, voiced mixed feelings about the charges, sharing that while she felt a sense of happiness, she struggled to see how true justice could be served with the loss already endured.
Mayberry’s history includes previous convictions for assault and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently being held without bond at the St. Louis City Justice Center as the case progresses.
The investigation into Thomas’s death resonates deeply with those affected by domestic violence. Advocates highlight the importance of addressing such incidents and ensuring women in similar situations feel supported and safe.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website for more resources.