Memphis, TN: Murdered Woman's Boyfriend Named 'Person Of Interest'

Kelly Hessedal
10:25 PM CDT, March 17, 2010

FAST FACTS:
Body of Sony Millbrook discovered underneath motel bed
Police name boyfriend LaKeith Moody a person of interest
Police say couple had a rocky relationship

(Memphis 3/17/2010) New information tonight in what Memphis Police say is one of the most bizarre murder cases they've ever seen.

The body of Sony Millbrook was discovered underneath a bed at the Budget Lodge Motel on East Brooks Road in Whitehaven. Police believe she was murdered even before January 27, when friends and family reported her missing.

Investigators tell WREG it was because of the victim's violent relationship with her boyfriend, LaKeith Moody, that Homicide Detectives took over the case just days after the Missing Persons Bureau began investigating.

"It's been a rocky history, there's issues with domestic violence," said Deputy Chief Joe Scott of the Memphis Police Department.

Moody has a lengthy criminal history that spans more than two pages. He was named a 'Person of Interest' almost immediately in the disappearnce of his girlfriend.

Millbrook's brother confirms the couple had problems.

"I know she was in a violent relationship," said TJ Shields.

"He had recently gotten out of jail and was staying with her at the Budget Lodge at the time," said Dep. Chief Scott.

Inside room 222, in a metal bedframe is where police discovered Millbrook's body.

Police won't say how she was killed. They believe her body was in that room at least 49 days. Though no one, not the five people who slept in the room since or any motel staff ever reported anything suspicious until Monday.

Memphis Police admit someone should've checked Millbrook's room more thoroughly sooner. They've launched an internal investigation into the matter.

Budget Lodge management refused to answer any of our questions.

Moody has been in federal custody since February. Investigators found him in Millbrook's vehicle and put him in jail on a gun charge.

The convicted felon isn't allowed to have a weapon. A federal criminal complaint states back in 2008 police found an Astra .9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol inside his car alongside his 17-month-old baby.

Moody has been arrested for everything from beating a man with a board outside the Carriage House Apartments to biting a Memphis Police Officer at Austin Peay and Yale.