Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –A Cloudcroft woman has been sentenced in the death of her husband. Deana Thetford entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and forgery in connection with the death of her husband, Craig Thetford. The couple resided in Cloudcroft where Craig was last seen in January of 2025. After months without contact his family reported him missing in May of 2025. The Otero County Sheriff’s Office went to the couple’s home to initiate a welfare check. During the investigation Deana Thetford gave multiple conflicting explanations regarding the whereabouts of her husband. That same month investigators received an anonymous tip alleging Deana had shot and killed her husband. Another search of the property revealed Craig’s body in the carport of the couple’s home. On Tuesday, Deana Thetford was sentenced to 18 years in the NM Department of Corrections.
