PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA: William Lowe, 78, the husband of Aydil Barbosa Fontes, 80, whose dismembered body was found in three suitcases and a tote bag in the water near Delray Beach, Florida. Lowe was arrested on Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder and abusing a dead body, according to Delray Beach Police CBC South Florida reported
As per the report, police said they received a 911 call on July 21 about a suspicious item in the water along the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach near the 1000 block of Palm Trail. When they arrived, they found a suitcase with human remains and rocks inside. Two other suitcases and a tote bag with more remains were found nearby. The tote bag contained Fontes' head, which had a gunshot wound, police said. A purse was also found with an ashtray and twine that matched the ones used to tie the suitcases and the bag.
Who is William Lowe?
Police used dental records and an airport barcode sticker on one of the suitcases to identify Fontes, who was originally from Brazil. They also released a reconstructed image of her face to the public. Investigators believe Lowe killed his wife sometime between July 21 and then dumped her body parts in the water. Detectives the report said believed suitcases were placed sometime between July 17 and July 20. They also found blood splatter in the couple's apartment and on a dock ladder near where one of the suitcases was discovered.
The arrest report cited by the media outlet suggested witnesses reported seeing a man who looked nervous and suspicious near the waterway on July 20 and July 21. He was driving a gold sedan and said he was "waiting for the big boat to come into the harbor" when asked what he was doing.
Lowe was questioned on July 31 wherein he claimed his wife was in Brazil
Police traced the car to Lowe and questioned him on July 31. He claimed his wife was in Brazil for three weeks but could not provide any details about her trip. He was arrested after police searched his apartment and found evidence of the crime. Police also searched another apartment owned by Lowe's sister, where they found a cover and a charger for a Ryobi chainsaw, as well as cleaning supplies. They later found a Ryobi chainsaw with blood, bone, flesh, and hair in Lowe's storage unit, along with a small cooler with red stains.
'This is a horrific case'
Police said they are still investigating the motive and the method of the killing. They said they have not found any history of domestic violence or criminal records for Lowe or Fontes. "This is a horrific case," Delray Beach Police Chief Javaro Sims said at a news conference on Thursday as reported by the outlet. "Our hearts go out to the victim's family and friends," he added. Lead Detective Mike Liberta said this was probably the worst case he had ever seen. Lowe is being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail. He has not entered a plea or hired an attorney.
