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A 68-year-old man accused of killing and dismembering his "bride" of 34 years has been hospitalized, forcing the indefinite postponement of a preliminary hearing in his trial.
Frederick Hengl is suspected of killing his wife, 73-year-old Anna Faris, then dismembering her remains before cooking her body parts and freezing her severed head in the couple's Oceanside home.
However, Hengl's attorney, Debby Kirkwood, says her client has been very distraught and has "lost his will to live" since Faris' death, according to City News Service. He has been hospitalized for the past few days at Tri-City Hospital.
Hengl has reportedly wasted away to a mere 110 pounds, and can't walk.
The suspect was arrested in November when neighbors complaining of a foul smell sent officers to Hengl and Faris' home to investigate. An officer checking out the home noticed what appeared to be meat cooking on the stove. Police later determined that "meat" was actually parts of the deceased body of Hengl's wife, Anna Faris.
Officers found Faris' head in the garage freezer, as well as in-use boning knives in another room.
Hengl had fled to a nearby bar, however, when he saw the police approaching. He was apprehended there shortly after.
Kirkwood says when today's preliminary hearing is ultimately rescheduled, her client intends to plead not guilty and claim Faris died of natural causes. Hengl is charged with murder, cruelty to an elder and committing an unlawful act with human remains. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Previously: Elderly Man Accused of Killing Wife and Cooking Her Body Parts
