Ariz. man killed girlfriend, lived with corpse for two months, police say

(CBS/KPHO/AP) MESA, Ariz. - Police in suburban Phoenix say they have arrested Erik Charles Grumpelt, who is suspected of killing his girlfriend and living with her corpse for more than two months.

Grumpelt was arrested and charged Tuesday with second degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Malinda Raya.

He reportedly told investigators he assaulted his girlfriend, Raya, on May 19, saying he struck her several times in the lower abdominal area on their bed, where he says he left her for a short period of time. When he returned she was unresponsive, reports CBS affiliate KPHO.

Grumpelt said he panicked and placed the victim underneath the bed. As the odor of decomposition worsened, he wrapped several sheets around the victim's body. Police officers discovered the decomposing body with several air and carpet fresheners around the area where the victim lay, reports the station.

When asked why he repeatedly struck Raya, Grumpelt told investigators he was angry because she had told him she had cheated on him with other men in his bed.

Grumpelt was admitted to Chandler Regional Hospital the morning of July 25 for a possible suicide watch. After being released earlier today, he was transported to the Mesa Police department where he provided details about what occurred at his apartment.