A horrifying murder case in Arizona has shocked investigators after police revealed that a woman was allegedly forced to help hide her boyfriend’s dismembered body after he was brutally killed with a hatchet inside their apartment.
Authorities say the victim’s body was wrapped in carpeting and an air mattress before being placed inside a closet, while his severed remains were later found inside a suitcase. The suspect, 32-year-old Christopher Ebanks, is now facing serious criminal charges in connection with the brutal killing.
Arizona Man Charged in Brutal Hatchet Killing
Phoenix police have arrested Christopher Ebanks, 32, in connection with a disturbing murder that happened on May 7 in Arizona.
According to court documents, Ebanks has been charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Kidnapping
Authorities say the victim was killed during a violent altercation inside an apartment in Phoenix.
Argument Over Rent Money Turned Deadly
According to investigators, the victim had reportedly called Ebanks to help him get money for rent after an argument started between him and his girlfriend.
Police say the couple and Ebanks met up, but the argument about rent payments continued.
As tensions rose, the situation allegedly became physical between the couple.
According to the police affidavit, Ebanks became angry after seeing the boyfriend allegedly get physical with his girlfriend.
Investigators say Ebanks then challenged him to:
“Fight an actual man.”
Moments later, the violence reportedly escalated.
Victim Allegedly Attacked With Hatchet
According to the girlfriend’s statement to police, she watched as Ebanks allegedly pulled out a hatchet-like weapon.
Investigators described it as:
- A triangular ax-like blade
Police say Ebanks allegedly stabbed the victim repeatedly during the attack.
The victim reportedly died inside the apartment.
Woman Forced to Help Hide the Body
After the killing, police say Ebanks forced the victim’s girlfriend to help clean the apartment and hide evidence.
According to investigators, Ebanks allegedly told her:
“We need to clean this up.”
Police say the woman was forced to assist in:
- Cleaning blood and evidence
- Moving the victim’s body
- Wrapping the remains
- Concealing the crime scene
Body Wrapped in Carpeting and Hidden in Closet
Court documents reveal the victim’s body was first placed inside a bathtub.
Investigators say the body was later wrapped using several household items.
Items allegedly used to hide the body:
| Items Found | Purpose Investigators Believe |
|---|---|
| Carpeting | Wrapping the body |
| Air mattress | Concealment |
| Extension cord | Binding remains |
| Towels | Cleaning evidence |
| Knives | Possible dismemberment |
| Cleaning products | Removing evidence |
Police say the wrapped body was later moved into a closet.
Victim’s Body Was Dismembered
One of the most disturbing discoveries came when investigators examined the body.
According to police, the victim appeared to be:
- Missing his head
- Missing both hands
Authorities believe the remains were intentionally dismembered.
Severed Remains Found in Suitcase
Police say Ebanks allegedly placed the victim’s missing head and hands inside a suitcase.
Investigators believe he then left the apartment carrying the suitcase.
This later became a major piece of evidence in the investigation.
Woman Allegedly Held Against Her Will
According to police, after leaving the apartment, Ebanks allegedly forced the girlfriend into his car.
Investigators say he took her to his apartment against her will.
Police claim she was then forced to shower while being threatened with weapons.
According to court documents, she was allegedly held at:
- Knife point
- Gun point
Investigators believe this was done to destroy evidence connected to the crime.
How Police Solved the Case
Authorities say the woman later told her father about the terrifying events.
Her father immediately contacted law enforcement.
This led detectives to search Ebanks’ apartment.
During the search, police allegedly discovered the suitcase containing the victim’s remains.
Arrest and Current Legal Status
Christopher Ebanks was later arrested and formally charged.
According to authorities:
- He refused to speak with detectives
- He is being held on a $1 million bond
- He remains in custody awaiting court proceedings
If convicted, he could face life in prison.
