Suspect calls girlfriend’s mutilated body a blow-up doll

MIAMI – A man from Miami is accused of mutilating the dead body of his girlfriend, telling police he had a life-sized blow-up doll made from human flesh hidden in his closet.

The investigation began last Friday when the suspect’s mother called police to complain about a foul smell coming from near his bedroom.

According to the arrest report, as officers approached the area, 32-year-old Jerome Ernest Wright walked out of his room naked and sweaty. He claimed to have a stomachache. Police searched the room and found bodily fluids on a trash can and mattress. Wright told police if they found anything in his room, it came from the Internet.

Police searched a room adjacent to Wright’s and found what appeared to be the body of a deceased person concealed on the floor of the closet, wrapped with sheets and clothing. They could only see the leg of the victim.

Investigators detained Wright and questioned his mother. She told officers his son’s girlfriend comes over all the time, but that she last saw her on Tuesday.

She said she saw her son run out of his room on Friday, complaining of stomach pain. That’s when she first noticed the strong smell of something coming from the room and said he smelled like blood. She also said he claimed he had a rat in his room and the dog went to the bathroom on his floor.

The man’s mother told investigators she smelled a foul odor coming from the garbage can and took the trash out.

Police say the trash actually contained the organs of Wright’s girlfriend, 52-year-old Deanna Clendinen. Police identified the body in the closet as hers, which had a large cut to the stomach.

Investigators believe her organs were removed after her death.

A cause of death is pending.

Wright pleaded guilty last month to aggravated battery against Clendinen. He was on probation.