Columbus, OH – An Ohio man has been convicted of aggravated murder and gross abuse of a corpse in the chilling 2021 killing of a woman he was romantically involved with, a crime prosecutors say unfolded over three days and ended with her dismemberment using an ax and shears.
Three Days of Brutality
According to prosecutors, Eric Ward, 36, spent September 25–27, 2021, mercilessly beating 32-year-old Allyson Lorenz inside her home in Franklin County. The abuse culminated when Ward placed a wet wash cloth over Lorenz’s mouth as she struggled with agonal breathing from injuries sustained when he threw her to the ground and pummeled her.
Another woman, Heather Baker, testified that she was also attacked by Ward and later coerced into helping dispose of Lorenz’s body.
“From September 25, 2021 to September 27, 2021, defendant mercilessly beat Ms. Lorenz in her own home until she succumbed to her injuries,” prosecutors said in a court filing.
Gruesome Dismemberment and Cover-Up
In an attempt to conceal the crime, Ward took Baker to a hardware store, where she purchased a Kobalt ax, Corona shears, and cleaning supplies. She also rented a U-Haul storage unit in Columbus, where they planned to store the remains.
Authorities say Ward exercised physical and mental control over Baker, including restricting her access to narcotics.
Investigators later learned that Ward and Baker conducted numerous online searches about DNA evidence and blood cleanup after Lorenz’s death.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
Police discovered Lorenz’s dismembered body on September 29, 2021, inside a garage connected to a property where Ward was allegedly selling drugs. Officers also found plastic sheeting covering the walls, along with the ax and shears used in the dismemberment.
Neighbors told detectives they saw a man and woman hauling away black plastic bags from the house shortly before the body was discovered.
Conviction After Two Trials
Ward’s recent conviction follows his second trial for the murder after the first ended prematurely when a juror reported being threatened. This week, a jury found him guilty of aggravated murder, gross abuse of a corpse, and related charges.
Heather Baker previously pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in connection to the case.
Do you think life in prison is a sufficient punishment for a crime this brutal? Share your thoughts in the comments.
