A Tilbury man accused of murdering an acquaintance has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
David Trealout, 35, was initially charged with first-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Henry Neudorf, but entered a guilty plea in Chatham Superior Court on Friday, while Neudorf's family and friends listened to the disturbing details of the murder.
The court heard Neudorf took in Trealout and his mother, Kimberly Price, as roommates in Tilbury.
Neudorf's body was discovered at the side of Townline Road, north of Maple Line in Dover Township on January 12, 2024.
Justina Gilbert, Neudorf's sister, said the second-degree murder conviction is very frustrating because the murder was so premeditated.
"His 'Not Criminally Responsible [assessment]' came back that he was fit to stand trial, and that tells me he knows what he did, and he does know what he's doing," said Gilbert.
She added that the family is still shaken up and suffering after all this time.
"We heard some new details in there today that are a little more ghastly than we expected. So, we are all trying to do the best that we can," explained Gilbert.
She still doesn't know the motive behind the murder.
"They moved in with my brother so that rent could be cheaper among the three. Maybe money was a factor," noted Gilbert.
Neudorf's daughter Rachel said she can accept the second-degree murder conviction, but hopes justice comes from Price's trial beginning in November 2026.
A date for Trealout's sentencing will be set on September 22, 2025, with the sentencing likely happening in early 2026.
A publication ban prevents more information, including evidence, from being made public since Price, who is a co-accused, is still waiting for her trial.
