A Surprise man was detained on suspicion of killing his wife with a baseball bat during a “difficult divorce” and attempting to hide her body, according to the local police department.
On Wednesday, police received a report of a missing person after 41-year-old Alison Gregory failed to appear at the airport to pick up a family member. They were informed that she and her husband, Brandon Gregory, 56, were in the throes of a divorce.
According to court filings, Alison Gregory had texted her boyfriend about Brandon Gregory’s unusual behavior. The texts ended at 11:30 a.m.
Officers went to the couple’s home that evening and discovered evidence of a scuffle, but Brandon and Alison Gregory were not present. Alison Gregory’s automobile was also taken from her residence.
Authorities discovered the truck about 2:40 a.m. the next day, parked near the Burro Creek Campground in Wikieup, Arizona.
He was detained at the campground without incident, and officers discovered Alison Gregory’s body in the back seat.
Brandon Gregory admitted to the homicide during his post-Miranda questioning, according to court filings. According to his story, an argument between him and Alison Gregory became physical when she kicked him, which escalated until he struck her “several times” with the bat.
He then allegedly cleaned up the crime scene, disposed of his wife’s phone and smart watch, and drove away with her body in the car.
Brandon Gregory was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and hiding a deceased corpse.
During Alison Gregory’s initial court appearance, her family spoke with both the judge and Gregory.
“We are left to figure out how to care for a 14-year-old girl and support a 20-year-old daughter through college,” Alison Gregory’s sister explained. “We will never be the same.”
Her mother also talked.
“Allison struggled so hard to get away from [Gregory] and she was so close to it and he took her away from us and please, please do not ever let him out again,” Alison Gregory’s mom said. “It’s horrible, my children and my grandchildren, it’s just sickening!”
“Brandon, I hate you forever, and I hope you never get out of prison,” the mother continued.
Brandon Gregory’s first hearing is slated for May 21. He is being held on $2 million bail.
According to court filings, Brandon Gregory voluntarily drafted an apologetic letter to his daughter and stepdaughter.
Reference: Surprise man accused of beating wife to death with baseball bat, hiding body
