An Arizona man, Christopher Ebanks, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping after allegedly killing his friend’s boyfriend with a hatchet and forcing the victim’s girlfriend to help cover up the crime. The brutal slaying occurred on May 7 in Phoenix, and Ebanks is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
The Murder and Cover-Up
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was involved in a heated argument with his girlfriend over rent payments. Ebanks, 32, was called over by the victim to help with rent money, but things quickly escalated.
As the argument turned physical, Ebanks allegedly challenged the victim to “fight an actual man” before pulling out a “triangular ax-like blade” and stabbing him repeatedly.
After the attack, Ebanks reportedly told the girlfriend that they needed to clean up the apartment and hide the evidence. The victim’s body was placed in the bathtub before being wrapped in carpeting and an air mattress.
The two then used cleaning products, knives, towels, and an extension cord to conceal the body. The victim was dismembered, with his head and hands removed. Ebanks allegedly stuffed these body parts into a suitcase before leaving the apartment.
Forced Into Further Complicity
Ebanks then allegedly forced the girlfriend into his car and drove her to his apartment. There, she was coerced into showering at gunpoint and knife-point in an effort to destroy evidence. Afterward, the girlfriend confided in her father, who contacted authorities.
The police were able to search Ebanks’ apartment, where they discovered the suitcase containing the victim’s dismembered remains.
Arrest and Charges
Ebanks was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping. He has refused to speak with police and is currently being held in jail. Authorities continue to investigate the gruesome crime, which has shocked the local community.
