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Lone Tree murder suspect met with parole officer days after alleged killing

Lone Tree Police accused James Matthew Neal of committing murder on Nov. 4. A parole officer met with him on Nov. 9, according to DOC records.

LONE TREE, Colo. — A man accused of murder met with a parole officer days after the alleged killing but before he was identified as a suspect, according to Department of Corrections records.

James Matthew Neal is accused of killing 73-year-old Michael Lohmeier on Nov. 4, according to Lone Tree Police. Five days later, a parole officer met with Neal because his mom reported safety concerns, the records show.

Department of Corrections records show that office learned about a warrant for Neal's arrest on Nov. 11 and there is no indication parole officers knew he was being investigated when they met.

9NEWS obtained a log of Neal's parole records, through a public record request.  

Credit: 9NEWS
James Matthew Neal's mother called DOC with concerns on November 8th. Four days earlier, Lone Tree Police say Neal committed murder.

On Nov. 8, Neal's mother called the parole office, according to the logs. The CPO (Community Parole Officer) called his mom back. 

"Mom told me that O (offender) is using again and they no longer feel safe with her son in their home when he is using," it reads.

A parole officer met with Neal the next day, Nov. 9.

Credit: 9NEWS
Department of Corrections log summarizes meeting between parole officer and Neal On November 9th.

"O (offender) self admitted to meth usage 3 days ago," the log states. 

The Department of Correction took no action and law enforcement would soon lose track of Neal.

"Nothing further," the log reads.  Neal had a follow up visit scheduled for Dec. 11.

A few days after the Nov. 9 meeting, Lone Tree Police publicly named Neal as a suspect, while asking the public for help locating him.  

Credit: Goshen County Sheriff's Office
James Neal

A Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper arrested Neal on Nov. 22 while investigating vehicle thefts. The arrest occurred after a pursuit with several law enforcement agencies.

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