A 31-year-old man has been accused of breaking into a morgue in Phoenix and allegedly sexually abusing multiple corpses in a shocking case now under investigation by authorities.
The suspect, identified as Fenris Lu, was arrested after police responded to reports of a possible burglary at the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner in downtown Phoenix.
According to investigators, the incident happened around 1.30am on May 20 near the area of 7th Avenue and Jefferson Street.
Authorities said Lu allegedly used a crowbar to force entry into the facility before being discovered inside by responding officers.
Police and Maricopa County Security Services searched the building and eventually located the suspect, who was arrested at the scene.
Law enforcement sources claimed surveillance footage captured Lu opening 11 body bags and allegedly engaging in sexual acts involving four corpses inside the morgue.
Officials have not publicly released further details regarding the victims out of respect for their families, while authorities work to notify next of kin.
The disturbing case has also temporarily disrupted operations at the medical examiner’s office, including forensic testing, autopsies and organ donation procedures.
Lu is now facing multiple serious charges, including burglary, four counts of sexual conduct with a dead person, criminal damage, escape and possession of burglary tools.
During his initial court appearance, the suspect’s bond was set at US$500,000 (approximately RM2.3 million).
Authorities said if released on bond, Lu would be placed under electronic monitoring.
His preliminary court hearing has reportedly been scheduled for May 29.
In a statement, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office praised the coordinated efforts between the sheriff’s office, county security personnel and Phoenix police officers in securing the scene and handling the investigation.
Officials added that no additional information would be released for now in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and out of consideration for those affected by the incident.
