Murder victim's mutilated limbs found in backpack, family says

BROCKTON, Mass. — Family members of a man who was stabbed, mutilated and left in a closet for more than a week tell Boston 25 News that they found his limbs in a backpack hours after the woman accused of killing him was arraigned in court.

Boston 25 News reached out to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office for confirmation of the discovery after confirming that information to the Boston Herald.

MORE: Brockton woman held without bail after boyfriend found dead in closet

The disturbing and horrific discovery was made hours after Kathryn Podgurski, 33, was arraigned on a murder charge in the death of her boyfriend, Joseph Shaw, 44.

Officials said Podgurski initially told police that two men broke into the apartment to rob Shaw, but said she actually stabbed him more than 30 times and then mutilated his remains.

“The victim apparently had bled out over time undetermined amount of time, but would have been alive for some period,” prosecutors said in court. “And it should be noted that severed limbs have not been recovered, your honor.”

Hours later, the family said it found his mutilated limbs in a backpack at his apartment.

Officials said Podgurski told them that she stored Shaw’s body in a closet and refrigerator for six days after the stabbing. His body was found covered in blankets and kitty litter.

According to the arrest report, witnesses said they heard Shaw and Podgurski arguing and Shaw’s ex-girlfriend said he texted her, upset that Podgurski had allegedly told him she was pregnant.

Prosecutors said Shaw may have survived his injuries if he had received help immediately.

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