FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio -- Authorities remained on the scene of a murder that even a seasoned homicide detective called “very disgusting.”
NBC 4’s Tom Brockman reported with the BOTTOM LINE.
A maintenance worker at West Bay apartments on Bay Run Drive found what looked to be a human body part shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday, CPD homicide Sgt. Dana Norman said.
When police arrived at the Southwest Side scene, additional body parts were found in various locations around the complex and its pond.
CPD’s dive teams searched the complex pond Thursday morning while investigators searched the surrounding area, including dumpsters.
Investigators also were concentrating on one apartment that was rented by suspect 51-year-old Robert Knight.
CPD took Knight into custody Thursday morning and charged him with homicide shortly after 6:15 a.m.
“It’s very disturbing. Yes, it is. We see a lot of homicide scenes and lots of ways people have died. It’s very disgusting,” Norman said.
CPD sent a police dive team to an area of Hoover Reservoir near Smoke Burr Drive in Westerville, saying that there could have been additional evidence at the reservoir or in the area. As of 6 p.m., police said the area had been cleared.
CPD also searched an area at nearby Interstate 270 and Georgesville Road before 8 a.m. Thursday.
Columbus police identified the victim as 44-year-old Tracey Moore and said she was living with the suspect. Officials said that 98 percent of her body has been recovered.
Detectives said they believe Moore was killed about four days ago inside the apartment.
CPD told NBC 4 officers will be guarding the scene at the complex during the next couple of days.
The crime scene is extensive and massive; detectives want to make sure unfound evidence is not disturbed.
CPD did not release a possible motive for the homicide or its reasons for the suspect arrest.
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