A New Orleans man will spend the next three decades behind bars after admitting to the gruesome killing and dismemberment of his girlfriend, whose remains were discovered hidden inside a bus on his property.
Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard sentenced 38-year-old Benjamin J. Beale to 30 years in a state correctional facility for the death of Julia Dardar. The sentencing follows a deal with prosecutors where Beale pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He had originally been charged with murder, which carried a potential 40-year maximum sentence.
The case began in December 2021 when Dardar’s family reported her missing. A month later, police executed a search warrant at Beale’s home on Pauline Street. In the backyard, investigators found an old blue bus secured with a padlock.
According to court affidavits, investigators used a key to unlock the bus and found a freezer inside.
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“Upon opening the lid of the freezer, investigators observed the headless torso of what appeared to be an adult human female,” the documents stated. Police noted a deep cut on the shoulder that appeared to have been made after she died.
Further searches of the property turned up an ice chest containing a reciprocating saw that “appeared to have bits of flesh and fluid on the blade.”
Local reports later confirmed that Dardar’s head had been completely severed and other body parts were found wrapped in plastic. While the couple had been dating, investigators learned they were experiencing relationship issues at the time of her disappearance.
Beyond the remains, authorities uncovered a hidden methamphetamine lab inside the residence. According to WDSU, police seized kerosene, propane, acetone, and glass dishes containing white powder. A large safe in the home also held Dardar’s personal belongings, including her wallet, keys, and credit cards.
Following his arrest, Beale refused to answer any questions or cooperate with the New Orleans Police Department regarding the body or the drugs. He was scheduled to stand trial for murder this August before reaching the plea agreement. He has since been moved from the Orleans Parish Jail to begin serving his sentence in state prison.
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