Aydil Barbosa Fontes, an 80-year-old woman, was identified by dental records after dismembered remains were recovered from the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach. Initial discovery on July 21, 2023 began with a suitcase floating in the water containing a human foot and legs. Two more suitcases found that day held a torso without hands or a head, and a pelvis plus a Cheesecake Factory bag filled with rocks. Additional bags located July 22 included a tote with the victim’s head, which had a single gunshot wound behind the ear; the medical examiner concluded that wound was the cause of death.

Authorities arrested William Lowe, 78, the victim’s husband, on charges of first-degree murder and improper dismemberment. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Lowe near a dock carrying a weighted Cheesecake Factory bag on July 20; his gold Ford Taurus was traced to a residence near where a suitcase was recovered. Investigators say they found a 9mm handgun in a desk drawer, and a chainsaw in Lowe’s storage unit with blood, bone matter, flesh, and hair, plus blood spatter inside the apartment. Lowe told police his wife was in Brazil but gave no details. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond. The motive remains under investigation.