Florida man accused of killing wife, dismembering body, and dumping remains in suitcases
08/03/2023 11:29 am PDT
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (TCD) -- Police arrested a 78-year-old man this week on suspicion of killing his 80-year-old wife, whose dismembered remains were found in multiple suitcases and bags last month.
In a press conference, Delray Beach Police Detective Michael Liberta said officers arrested William Lowe on Aug. 2 on charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead human body in connection with Aydil Barbosa Fontes’ death.
On July 21, officers responded to the Intracoastal Waterway in reference to human remains, and according to an arrest report obtained by WPEC-TV, officers discovered multiple small rocks and a pair of human legs inside a suitcase.
Police reportedly found a second suitcase along the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway with a torso, as well as hands and small rocks.
Detectives learned about another suitcase with a woman’s pelvis and a Cheesecake Factory bag, WPEC reports.
Police executed a search of the Intracoastal Waterway and reportedly found a tote bag wrapped with a man’s belt, which contained a human head with a gunshot wound.
According to Liberta, detectives conducted interviews with multiple witnesses who saw Lowe in the area where the suitcases were discovered. Witnesses reportedly confronted Lowe, and he drove off in a gold Ford Taurus, which was captured by surveillance video. Liberta said officials were able to obtain the vehicle’s information.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage that shows Lowe going down a dock with a Cheesecake Factory bag as well, WPEC reports.
According to Liberta, detectives discovered blood splatter in Lowe’s home and recovered a firearm.
Liberta noted that Lowe was "nervous" during questioning, and he told police his wife, Barbosa Fontes, had been in Brazil for about three weeks. However, officials were reportedly able to identify the victim as Barbosa Fontes through dental records.
On Aug. 2, police also searched Lowe’s storage unit and found a blood-covered chain saw, bone matter, and human hair. Additionally, they discovered a cooler with red stains.
According to Liberta, investigators believe Lowe shot his wife at their apartment and dismembered her body before dumping the remains in multiple bags and placing them along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Lowe appeared in court Aug. 3 and was denied bond. He remains held in the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center.
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