A shocking incident unfolded in Delray Beach, Florida, as authorities arrested William Lowe Jr., a 78-year-old Florida man, on charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a body. The victim was identified as Aydil Barbosa Fontes, an 80-year-old woman and Lowe’s wife of 15 years. The dismembered remains of Fontes were tragically discovered stuffed inside suitcases and bags, which were found floating in a local waterway.
The investigation began when police stumbled upon a suitcase containing human remains in the Intracoastal Waterway near Palm Trail on July 21. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community, and the gravity of the situation intensified when two more suitcases with human remains were found nearby along the Intracoastal. A multi-agency search ensued, leading to the discovery of two additional bags in the waterway within Delray Beach city limits.
At that time, the victim’s identity remained a mystery. The police sought the public’s assistance in identifying her, describing her as a woman between the ages of 35 and 55, of Hispanic or white ethnicity. Thanks to witnesses who came forward after the press conference and neighborhood canvassing, investigators were led to a vehicle and a person seen in the area multiple times before the suitcases were discovered.
Video surveillance footage and witness accounts played a crucial role in the investigation. The evidence pointed the police to a vehicle tag, which eventually led them to an address where Aydil Barbosa Fontes had lived. Additionally, a suitcase found at the scene had an airline scan code that was linked to the name “A Barbosa Ontes,” which was just one letter off from the victim’s actual last name, “Fontes.”
Obtaining search warrants, the police searched the apartment and uncovered disturbing evidence of a grisly crime. The apartment was splattered with blood, and cleaning products stained with blood were found. Drag marks and a large amount of blood were discovered in the living room, dining room, and master bathroom.
While the motive behind the murder remains unclear, authorities believe that William Lowe Jr. shot Barbosa before dismembering her body inside his apartment. He then allegedly placed her remains in the suitcases and bags before disposing of them in the Intracoastal waterway.
During the investigation, Lowe was brought in for questioning on July 31. He claimed that Fontes was in Brazil and had been there for about three weeks, but he couldn’t provide further details about her travel. When confronted with pictures of the suitcases found with Barbosa’s remains, Lowe denied recognizing them and was unable to explain why a suitcase had a sticker connected to his wife’s name.
In a dramatic turn of events, Lowe attempted to enter the apartment through a rear window while investigators were present, despite not having permission to be there. He allegedly stated that he wanted to retrieve his phone and keys to his storage unit. This led the authorities to check the storage unit, where they made a chilling discovery—a chainsaw.
William Lowe Jr. appeared in court for the first time, where he was ordered to be held without bond. As of now, information about his legal representation has not been made available.
You can also read: Twitch Expands Ban on Gambling Livestreams to Safeguard Community
The community remains shaken by the gruesome events, and the investigation into this horrifying crime continues. The loss of Aydil Barbosa Fontes is a tragedy, and her memory will not be forgotten.