A Phoenix man, Christopher Ebanks, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the brutal May 7, 2026, killing of his 32-year-old boyfriend. The crime, which involved the victim being dismembered and his body concealed, has shocked authorities and the public.
The Murder and Aftermath
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Ebanks is accused of stabbing the victim repeatedly with a “triangular ax-like blade” in a violent altercation that took place in the couple’s apartment.
The confrontation reportedly began after a dispute over rent money, which escalated into a physical fight. Ebanks, who was present during the argument, allegedly challenged the victim to “fight an actual man” and then fatally attacked him with a hatchet.
After the killing, Ebanks allegedly forced the victim’s girlfriend to help clean up the crime scene and conceal the body. The victim’s dismembered body was reportedly wrapped in carpeting and an air mattress, and bound with a white extension cord. His head and hands were cut off and stuffed into a suitcase.
The Girlfriend’s Role and Escape
The affidavit states that after the murder, Ebanks forced the girlfriend to assist in hiding the body and cleaning up the apartment with cleaning products, knives, towels, and other items. He then allegedly ordered her to get into his car, and she was taken to Ebanks’ apartment where she was forced to shower under the threat of a knife and gun in an attempt to destroy evidence.
However, the girlfriend managed to escape and contacted her father, who alerted authorities to the gruesome crime. This led to a police search of Ebanks’ apartment, where they discovered the suitcase containing the victim’s dismembered remains.
Ebanks’ Arrest and Charges
Ebanks was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. He has refused to speak to police and is currently being held on a $1 million bond. His refusal to cooperate with authorities has only added to the chilling nature of the case.
