A Kentucky man has been charged in connection with the gruesome murder of his girlfriend who was dismembered before her body parts were hauled in suitcases all the way to south suburban Markham.
Police said Melvin Martin Jr., 30, who was initially charged as a fugitive took his girlfriend’s remains on a Greyhound bus to visit family in Markham, traveling more than five hours with the body parts to the Chicago Greyhound station at 630 W. Harrison St.
Markham spokesman, Michael Taylor said in a statement that Martin was arrested on Monday at the Markham Public Library after curious family members made the discovery.
The spokesman said some parts of the woman’s body were found in Illinois, while the other half was found in Kentucky.
‘A severed head and other body parts were found in the bags, while police in Kentucky found the woman’s torso,’ he said.
‘Martin had been staying with family for about a week, and family members became curious after he asked them on at least two occasions to purchase clothing for him despite arriving on a Greyhound bus in Chicago toting the bags’.
‘Martin eventually moved the two bags to the home’s garage, and the family made the discovery after Martin had left for the library,’ Taylor added.
Detectives believe the girlfriend was killed at least 30 days ago with Markham Police Chief Terry White saying the woman’s death could be the result of a domestic dispute that occurred about a month ago.
When asked by police why he brought his girlfriend’s remains to Illinois, Martin Jr. delivered a shocking reply.
“He indicated that, as grotesque as it might sound, that he still wanted to be with at least part of her,” said Markham police Chief.
