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Arizona man accused of beheading wife, dogs charged with murder

By Doug G. Ware

PHOENIX, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A man who police say beheaded his wife and two dogs before turning the knife on himself was released from the hospital and booked into jail on a murder charge, officials said Sunday.

Kenneth Wakefield, 43, is accused of stabbing his wife and dogs to death on July 22 -- leading one Phoenix police official to call the crime scene "absolutely horrific."

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The bodies of Trina Heisch, 49, and the two dogs were later found by police in the couple's bedroom closet, authorities said. When police arrived at the home, they found the three bodies and Wakefield -- who himself was badly injured.

Officials said he was missing part of his left arm, had apparently gouged out his own right eye, and stabbed himself repeatedly in the chest.

Wakefield was admitted to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and was released Saturday, NBC News reported.

In addition to Heisch's death, Wakefield has also been charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

The couple had a history of domestic violence, drug abuse and mental illness, police said.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive.

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