A zookeeper has been arrested after parts of his wife’s body were discovered inside a zoo incinerator.
Police allege Tatsuya Suzuki transported his wife’s body to the wildlife park before burning it in the animal crematorium.
Suzuki, 33, was arrested on Wednesday (30 Apr) on suspicion of mutilating a corpse.
READ MORE: Girl, 6, dies after tragic trip over shoelaces in playground
The alleged offence is believed to have taken place around 31 March, as reported by Need To Know.
Relatives reported his wife, Yui Suzuki, missing on 23 April after losing contact with her in late March.
The couple lived together in Asahikawa, Japan.
That same day, police contacted the zoo and asked to speak with Suzuki, who had turned up to work as usual.
He agreed to be questioned on a voluntary basis.
Officers later recovered parts of the 33-year-old’s remains after Suzuki reportedly admitted: “I disposed of my wife’s body in the incinerator.”
He is believed to have told Yui before the incident: “I’ll burn you completely so nothing remains.”
Police are investigating whether he killed his wife and are working to establish a motive.
During questioning, he is said to have hinted at involvement in her death, and authorities are now considering a possible murder charge.
Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most famous tourist attractions, had been due to reopen on Wednesday (29 Apr) after a temporary closure to prepare for the summer season.
But the reopening was delayed until today (1 May) due to the investigation.
Following the arrest, a local man described Suzuki as “quiet”, telling local media: “He often walked the dog with his wife, and they seemed like a close couple.”
READ MORE: Rainstorm leaves hundreds of cars submerged in murky water up to windows
