SAN FRANCISCO—The suspect arrested in the gruesome and widely publicized San Francisco body parts case has been released from jail pending further investigation.
Mark Andrus, 59, had spent most of the weekend in jail following his arrest on January 30 in connection with the suitcase stuffed with human body parts left outside a Goodwill store in the city’s South of Market neighborhood.
According to law enforcement officials, surveillance footage had captured Andrus near the time and place in which the suitcase had been dropped close to the intersection of Mission and Market Streets.
The victim, whose dismembered leg and torso were discovered inside the suitcase, has yet to be identified by the state Bureau of Forensic Services.
During Andrus’ detainment, reports had surfaced that the victim could possibly be Andrus’ former roommate, Omar Shahwan, who went missing before his arrest. Andrus was in possession of Shawan’s state identification card after authorities led him out of a friend’s apartment Friday night.
“Mr. Andrus was extremely relieved when I told him earlier today that no charges were going to be brought,” said SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi. “So obviously he wants to get home.”
Anyone with knowledge of the case is urged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 575-4444, or text TIP411 with “SFPD” at the beginning of the message.
