BUTLER, Pennsylvania — Pizza shop owners got the shock of their lives this week when police arrived at their building and walked out carrying a large garbage can — with a dead man folded inside it.
Officers with the Butler City Police Department responded Monday to an apartment on the 200 block of North Main Street, located directly above Pizza Joe’s restaurant, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.
When they arrived, resident Cavell Watkins, 64, let them in without resistance.
As officers searched the kitchen, they spotted a large trash can with a cologne bottle sitting on top. When they opened it, they found a man’s body folded at the waist and covered with blankets and pillows.
What Watkins Told Police
Watkins told investigators he had been using crack cocaine with the victim and a woman at the apartment.
He said the two of them stepped out, and when they returned, the victim was unresponsive.
Instead of calling 911, Watkins allegedly placed the body in the trash can and covered it. He told police he panicked and hid it out of fear.
Neighbors Couldn’t Believe It
Jeff Eberhardt, whose wife owns the pizza shop below, watched officers carry the garbage can out of the building.
“Kind of shocked, you know? It’s kind of crazy,” he said.
A neighbor nearby kept it simple.
“You would get in less trouble if you, initially, be respectful and call the police,” they said.
What Comes Next
Watkins was arraigned Monday night and remains in Butler County Prison after failing to post bail.
He faces a misdemeanor charge of abuse of a corpse and a felony drug charge. A preliminary hearing is set for July 13.
What do you think should happen in a case like this? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
