A man has been taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder after the remains of his wife were discovered in three suitcases last month, according to court records. The Delray Beach Police Department revealed that the suitcases were found in the Intracoastal Waterway on July 21, following a 911 call reporting something suspicious in the area. Authorities described the victim as a white or Hispanic middle-aged woman with brown hair, approximately 5’4″ tall.
One of the suitcases had a sticker with the name “Latam, MIA, Barbosa” on it, as stated in the probable cause affidavit. The investigation, which involved reviewing surveillance footage, led the police to search the residence of William Lowe, a 78-year-old Delray Beach resident. The affidavit revealed that blood spatter was found throughout Lowe’s home, including in the living room, dining room, and primary bathroom. Additionally, a chainsaw with potential blood and human remains was discovered in Lowe’s storage unit.
During an interview with the police, Lowe claimed that his wife, Aydil Barbosa Fontes, had been in Brazil for approximately three weeks. However, he was unable to provide details about her travel arrangements or the last time he had spoken to her. When shown photos of the suitcases containing the victim’s remains, Lowe denied any knowledge of them. When questioned about the suitcase sticker bearing his wife’s name, he responded with uncertainty.
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the victim’s identity as Aydil Barbosa Fontes through dental records. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, ruling it a homicide. Lowe was subsequently arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County jail. He now faces charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body. He appeared in court on Thursday, where he was denied bond.
Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager expressed gratitude to the community for providing crucial tips that led to the identification of a suspect in this “heinous crime.” Mager emphasized the department’s commitment to bringing peace to the victim and her family, acknowledging that the damage caused could never be fully repaired.