Arizona man accused of decapitating wife emits howl in court

A man accused of decapitating his wife and two dogs in Phoenix, Arizona, has been identified as Kenneth Wakefield.

Phoenix police say 43-year-old Kenneth Dale Wakefield was booked into Maricopa County jail Saturday afternoon on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty. When police arrived at the home, they found the three bodies and Wakefield – who himself was badly injured.

Police said Wakefield had cut off his left arm at the elbow and gouged out his right eye.

Wakefield was admitted to a hospital for treatment of his injuries, and was released Saturday, NBC News reported.

Wakefield, who was being held on $2 million bond, was also charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

The couple had a history of violence and mental health issues.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive.

Wakefield underwent surgery at a local hospital, and has now been moved to jail.

A neighbor reportedly discovered the scene on July 25 after going to check on the female victim.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Wakefield had an attorney who could comment on the case.

‘Evidentiary issues precluded us from proceeding with the civil commitment process, ‘ a spokesman said.

However, Wakefield was approved by the psychiatric review board 10 months ago to be released. She had been ordered by the court to spend 10 years at the mental health facility. It was not clear what specific mental illness either has suffered from.