Arrest made in case of corpse found in suitcase

Authorities announced Monday evening that they arrested a suspect in the death of a 41-year-old man whose corpse was found in a suitcase near Philadelphia International Airport, saying he was killed by a former roommate for unknown reasons.

Victim Scott Stephen Bernheisel’s body was found in a sleeping bag inside a suitcase in Tinicum Township on May 28 around 1:50 p.m. by a man walking his dog.

Bernheisel died from being beaten and stabbed in the neck, medical examiners said.

Thomas Brennan, of Philadelphia is chargedwith the murder.

ProsecutorssayBrennan, who along with Bernheisel had occasaionally stayed in a local house,killed Bernheisel, then stored him in a sleeping bag in a closet in a thehouse before he placed his body in a suitcase and left it by the side of the road.A

After investigators learned that Bernheiseland Brennanhad both stayed at the home, they confirmed from residents who resided there that a suitcase used to store old Christmas decorations was missing. Investigators confirmed that the suitcase was the one that Bernheisel’s body was found in.

No motive was listed.