Nevada man accused of fatally strangling his wife and setting her remains on fire in metal drum

HENDERSON, Nev. (TCD) — Police have arrested a 43-year-old man after they reportedly found his wife’s burned remains inside a metal drum last week.

According to a news release from the Henderson Police Department, on Tuesday, Nov. 21, shortly before 8 p.m., Henderson Police and Fire responded to the 1700 block of Sunset Road, where they located a metal drum ablaze. The fire department extinguished the flames and found the remains of a deceased woman inside.

According to an arrest report obtained by KSNV-TV, officials identified the victim as Janell Bowen. The coroner’s office found evidence that Bowen died of asphyxiation by strangulation, and they believe her death was a homicide.

Police identified the victim’s husband, Freddie Wright, as the primary suspect. According to KSNV, Wright and his wife, along with their children, had been living in a residence with several other people since mid-November.

An individual in their home reportedly told police that around Nov. 18, Wright kicked them out so he could confront his wife. When the person attempted to get back inside, the door was allegedly locked, and Bowen wouldn’t let the individual in. KSNV reports that the witness said they believe they saw Wright strangle his wife.

According to police, the Criminal Apprehension Team took Wright into custody on Nov. 27.

Wright reportedly told detectives that he went to talk to his wife regarding another relationship, and Wright admitted that he had “snapped” and strangled Bowen. Wright allegedly kept her body for several days before he placed it in the metal drum and set the remains on fire at the Whitney Mesa Park trailhead.

Wright remains held in the Henderson Detention Center on charges of open murder, first-degree arson, and destroying evidence.

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