Dexter Leonard Thomas

Dexter Leonard Thomas, was sentenced to two life terms in prison for first degree premeditated murder and first degree burglary with assault or battery with a firearm, and an additional 30 years for conspiracy to commit first degree burglary, for a 2015 Lehigh Acres home invasion. He was found guilty in August following a five-day trial in Lee County.

Thomas was indicted by the Lee County Grand Jury on Dec. 18, 2020.

According to the state attorney’s office, on Feb. 21, 2015, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a woman who stated that someone had entered her Lehigh Acres home and shot a person, and she was not sure if the attacker was still in the house.

When deputies responded, no suspects were inside. In the master bedroom, they found the victim who had been shot and died a short time later. A woman was hiding under the bed and five juveniles who lived there were also at home. They were all unharmed.

The investigation determined entry into the home was made by prying open the rear sliding glass door and breaking an attached metal security gate.

According to the state attorney’s office, Thomas, wearing a mask and a knit cap, entered the master bedroom where the male victim was sleeping and the woman was awake. Thomas demanded money, rummaged through the room and then shot the victim. Thomas could not be immediately identified.

Two co-defendants, Tiphanie Dawn Sager and Antonio Crews, have already been sentenced for their role in the crime.