A California man who was accused of dismembering his 73-year-old wife and cooking her flesh and bones on the stove has died in jail, according to the San Diego District Attorney's office.
Frederick Hengl, 69, died of cancer on Sept. 27, before his trial got underway, NBC 7 San Diego reported.
Hengl, whose neighbors said he was known for walking around their Oceanside, Calif., neighborhood dressed as a woman, was arrested on Nov. 16 after his wife, Anna Faris, was found dead in the couple's home.
Authorities were notified of a foul odor like that of a dead animal coming from the house.
When they went to investigate, officers saw Faris' dismembered remains cooking in pans on the stove.
They found her head in the freezer and discovered other pieces of bone in a plastic bag.
Faris had apparently been dead for weeks, and investigators had to wear masks while collecting evidence, according to NBC 7 San Diego.
Despite the ghastly crime scene, officials said there were no signs of cannibalism.
Hengl was taken into custody on suspicion of his wife's murder after being questioned by police.
Prosecutors went on to say that they believe he killed Faris sometime between Nov. 1 and 16 and then started to dismember her corpse.
He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and committing and unlawful act with human remains on Nov. 21, but his subsequent trial was postponed several times because of his illness and treatment.
Police said that the couple was known for their unusual tendencies, including Hengl's cross-dressing. Neighbors told them that Faris sometimes stood on the street with a knife.
- NYDN
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