Caregiver and her family members charged in connection with double amputee’s death and dismemberment

PHILADELPHIA (TCN) -- Four people have been arrested and charged in connection with the death and dismemberment of a double amputee who was found in a suitcase.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against 53-year-old Liza Ridley, 55-year-old Bernadette Ridley, 32-year-old Liza Robinson, and 33-year-old Gnaeus Daniels on May 28.  

On May 22, police were notified of a body in suitcase found by a person looking for scrap in an alley. When police arrived, they discovered more body parts in two industrial-size trash bags. According to the medical examiner, the remains belonged to a male who had sustained gunshot wounds to the head, but the body was in such a state of decomposition that race could not be determined, according to the DA. 

The victim was identified as Vincent Good, 53. NBC Philadelphia reports he was a double amputee whose hand had been amputated below the wrist and whose leg had been amputated below the knee. He used a wheelchair. According to a neighbor, his caregiver, home health aide Liza Ridley, was also his girlfriend. Neighbor Jim Gutierrez told the outlet the couple argued all the time.

An investigation found Liza Ridley allegedly used a rideshare service to transport the remains to the alley. After her ride, a fluid stain was found on the floor of the car. The driver was suspicious due to the odor, but Liza Ridley allegedly told her she was carrying a bag of dirty clothes. The driver took a picture of Liza Ridley and showed police the next day, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Liza Ridley charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, abuse of corpse, conspiracy to commit abuse of corpse, obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence and other related offenses, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Bernadette Ridley, Robinson, and Daniels were charged with helping Liza Ridley clean up after the alleged murder and get rid of evidence. Bernadette Ridley also allegedly helped to dismember Good before he was transported in the suitcase, per the DA. NBC Philadelphia reports investigators believe Good was dead for at least two weeks before he was found.

The investigation is ongoing. Although a motive has not been released, WTXF reports investigators are looking into the potential of a financial motive, as Liza Ridley was Good’s caregiver and he was receiving Social Security benefits.