D.C. man arrested after decomposing headless, handless body found in backyard

WASHINGTON (TCD) -- A 32-year-old man was arrested after a decomposing body was found in his backyard earlier this month.

According to the Metropolitan D.C. Police Department, on Friday, Feb. 3, at 8:31 a.m., officers from the Fifth District went to a residence on the 1300 block of Kearney Street NE regarding the discovery of human remains. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the remains were human and the victim died as a result of homicide.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, D.C. Police announced they arrested Lavaughn Barnes for first-degree murder while armed.

NBC Washington reports Barnes lived at the home on Kearney Street, and he reportedly called police Feb. 3 to say he found the body in a trash bag while completing yard work. The body was reportedly missing its head and hands.

According to NBC Washington, Barnes reportedly confessed to killing the victim, who remained unnamed, following an altercation at the home. Barnes allegedly Tased the victim, beat him to death, then dismembered the body.

MORE:

• Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1300 Block of Kearney Street, Northeast - Metropolitan D.C. Police Department
• Headless Body Found in Backyard of DC Home; Resident in Custody, Sources Say - NBC Washington