Body Found In Suitcases: Man Pleads Guilty To Murder In Denver

DENVER, CO — A man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 33-year-old Joshua Lockard, the Denver District Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

Benjamin Satterthwaite, 29, is accused of killing Lockard, cutting up his body, and putting the remains in two suitcases, the DA said.

Police were called to the 1700 block of South Java Way in the city's Mar Lee neighborhood on Dec. 29, 2020, after they received a report of suspicious luggage beside the road. The suitcases were found by city employees.

The police officers then discovered Lockard's body inside the luggage.

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The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner was not able to determine the cause of Lockard's death.

“We thank Mr. Lockard’s family for supporting our decision to accept Mr. Satterwhaite’s guilty plea,” Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said in a statement.

“This was a horrific murder; however, the cause of Mr. Lockard’s death was never determined which makes his guilty plea and potential sentence length an appropriate outcome.”

Satterthwaite's sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 12. He faces between 25 and 30 years in prison, the DA's office said.