Body Found in Trash Can, Son Arrested for Murder

CBS News reports that a woman was discovered almost beheaded in a trash can outside her apartment, leading to the arrest of her son in Florida on Sunday.

Anthony Caruso, aged 40, is facing second-degree murder charges for the death of his mother, Elizabeth Caruso. Authorities located her body in a garbage room at 800 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach, where they also found blood smeared throughout the apartment, including on the door leading to the garbage area.

Police were alerted to the situation when Elizabeth Caruso’s son-in-law called to express concern after not hearing from her for over six hours. Reports indicate she had traveled from New Jersey to Miami Beach to visit Anthony, who has a history of mental health issues.

A Miami Beach Police spokesman, Christopher Beth, confirmed the discovery of Elizabeth’s body. “We found a female victim in a waste container. He barricaded himself when our officers tried to contact him,” Beth stated. There was an hour-long standoff before Anthony Caruso exited the apartment and was taken into custody.

On Monday, Caruso was brought before a judge, who ordered him to be held without bond. At the time of his arrest, records showed he was on probation due to prior charges, including aggravated assault and battery against law enforcement officers.

Elizabeth Caruso sustained severe trauma and had multiple fractures in her arms, hands, face, and head. She had retired from her position as a preschool special education teacher at New Jersey’s New Milford Public School District in 2021 after 25 years of service.