Derek Tanke Stayed In Motel Room With Girlfriend's Corpse For 2 Days, Spent Her Money: Report

Police: Man Stayed In Motel With Girlfriend's Corpse For Days

A suburban Chicago man faces several felony charges after allegedly staying in a Joliet, Ill. motel room with his dead girlfriend's corpse for two days -- and buying alcohol with her money instead of immediately notifying authorities.

Derek Tanke, 47, has been charged with concealment of a death, unlawful use of a credit card and ID theft, police told the Herald News. Tanke was reportedly staying at the Bel-Air Motel with his 54-year-old girlfriend when she died, possibly on Wednesday.

Tanke, who has been arrested six times for beating the woman, then used her debit card to purchase vodka, took out her cash at an ATM and stayed in the room with the decomposing corpse until Friday, according to the Herald News.

He reportedly told police that he punched the woman in the face several times days before she died, but officials told the Herald Sun the woman had several medical problems and the death was not related to the assault.

Tanke's bail was set at $75,000 Saturday.

Photo by Chris Dickey via Flickr

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot