Olathe man charged with murder of 72-year-old woman, cat and bird

FILE: A police cruiser in Olathe, Kansas.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A 40-year-old Olathe man has been charged with first-degree murder after a 72-year-old woman was found dead in his home Saturday evening.

According to court documents filed Tuesday, Brian Christopher Thode is facing three criminal charges — one count of first-degree murder and two counts of cruelty to animals.

Count I said Thode “unlawfully, feloniously, willfully and with premeditation” killed Nancy Thode on Saturday, June 29, in the 1000 block of East Oakview Street.

Preliminary reports with the Olathe Police Department said Thode was a “relative” of the woman and that she suffered “serious injuries.” Nancy was found just before 6 p.m. Saturday and pronounced dead at the scene.

Counts II and III are based on allegations of cruelty to animals. According to court documents, he “unlawfully, knowingly, maliciously and criminally” killed a cat and a bird in the home.

Thode is being held on $3 million bail. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Johnson County District Court at 1:30 p.m. today.