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Victim identified after remains found in suitcases in Denver, officials say

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Posted at 3:30 PM, Jan 15, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-15 17:30:18-05

DENVER — Authorities have identified a man found dead inside two suitcases in Denver last month.

Joshua Lockard's remains were discovered about 8 a.m. on Dec. 29 near the 1700 block of South Java Way, according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner. The coroner's office is still working to determine how Lockard died.

Police last week announce Benjamin Satterthwaite, 28, on a murder charge in Lockard's death.

A Denver Parks and Recreation employee said one of the department’s employees found the suitcases around 7:15 a.m. on Dec. 29 while clearing snow from the Sanderson Gulch Trail in the Mar Lee neighborhood of Denver.

On Jan. 1, Denver Police officers responded to an apartment in the 2800 block of S. Federal Blvd. for a medical-related call. While there, they discovered evidence and a crime scene consistent with the homicide case. Their follow-up investigation resulted in Satterthwaite's arrest.

Police said it's believed that Satterthwaite and Lockard knew each other.

A Colorado Bureau of Investigation report shows a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for vehicular assault-DUI, contempt of court violation, making a false report and attempted escape.