Husband "lived in flat with dead wife's body in wardrobe for 48 hours before jumping out window when police arrived"

A husband is suspected of murdering his wife then spending 48 hours in a flat with her body in a wardrobe.


Keith Lee is the prime suspect in the murder of Joanne Lee, 38, who was found wrapped in a sleeping bag and stuffed in the wardrobe. Police believe Mr. Lee lived in the flat for two days after his wife was killed. He then used a Stanley knife to try and cut his arms before jumping from the third-floor window of the building in Dublin, Ireland when police tried to force their way in. He is believed to have broken his legs in the fall.

Joanne was reported missing on Tuesday. Her family had called on officers to search the apartment and Gardai (state police of Ireland) went to the address as part of inquiries into the disappearance. They were checking various houses and it is understood gardai had suspected foul play almost immediately. Police were refused access to the home on Thursday, it is alleged. They eventually forced their way in to find Joanne Lee had been strangled. By that time, Mr. Lee had jumped in a bid to evade them but he was unsuccessful.

From outside the building where Joanne’s body was found, Garda Supt Gerry Delmar said: "On the 13th of February, Ms Joanne Boyle, also known as Joanne Lee, was reported missing to gardai in Store Street (Dublin).
"An immediate investigation was set up in an incident room at Mountjoy Garda Station. As a result of that investigation, gardai called to this premises, 92 Ranelagh Road, yesterday afternoon.
"Inside, gardai found a female who was unresponsive. Medical assistance was given to the female, however, she was pronounced dead at the scene. We believe that the female is Joanne, however she can not yet be positively identified.
"Also at the rear of this premises, gardai found a male with injuries. These injuries were consistent with having a fall from a height. That male is currently in hospital receiving treatment."
Supt Dulmar said the man's injuries are not life-threatening and added: "Gardai believe that this man is Joanne's estranged husband. I would like to appeal to anybody that last saw Joanne, from the 5th of February, possibly around Garristown, Co Meath, to contact us."