Authorities said the case forced a pause in some morgue operations while investigators reviewed possible impacts.
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Maricopa County officials were working to notify families after a man was accused of breaking into the county medical examiner’s office and sexually abusing bodies inside the Phoenix facility early May 20.
The suspect, 31-year-old Fenris Lu, was arrested inside the building after a reported burglary. The case has drawn attention because the medical examiner’s office stores bodies tied to active death reviews, including cases that may later be used in criminal proceedings.
Deputies were called to the downtown office just after 1:30 a.m. County security staff and Phoenix police helped secure the building before Lu was found. The sheriff’s office said the agencies worked together so the scene could be searched safely and the investigation could move forward.
Investigators said Lu is accused of using a crowbar to enter the building. Law enforcement sources said 11 body bags were opened and four bodies were involved in alleged sexual contact. Officials have not released the identities of the deceased people or confirmed whether any were tied to homicide or other criminal cases.
Prosecutors told the court they needed time to notify next of kin and assess whether the alleged acts could affect other investigations. Forensic testing, autopsies and organ donation work were paused as officials reviewed the scene. Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said detectives faced painful conversations with families.
Lu faces one count of burglary, four counts of sexual conduct with a dead person, one count of criminal damage, one count of escape and one count of possession of burglary tools. His bond was set at $500,000 cash. Court officials said he would be placed on electronic monitoring if released.
Michael Murphy, a former Las Vegas medical examiner, said such cases are rare because security at medical examiner and coroner facilities is usually tight. Forensic experts said the key question is whether any evidence was disturbed, contaminated or delayed before investigators secured the scene.
The sheriff’s office said no further details were being released because of the active investigation and the need to protect affected families. Lu’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 29.
Author note: Last updated May 22, 2026.