A disturbing crime has shaken the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia after a 53-year-old home health aide allegedly shot and killed her disabled boyfriend — and then used her own family to help cover it up.
Liza Ridley, a caregiver by profession, is accused of murdering Vincent Good, 53, who was also her live-in boyfriend. Good was a partial amputee who relied on a wheelchair and needed daily care. According to prosecutors, Ridley was the person responsible for providing that care.
“She would take care of him — she was always there, pushing him, taking him places — but they were arguing all the time.”— Jim Gutierrez, neighbor
The case broke open on the morning of May 22, when a man searching for scrap metal near the 600 block of East Hilton Street found a human torso stuffed inside a suitcase. Police arrived and discovered more remains in two large trash bags nearby. A neighbor described a strong odor coming from the area before officers arrived.
The Medical Examiner confirmed the victim was Good, who had died from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe he had been dead for at least two weeks before his remains were found.
A key break in the case came from a Lyft driver. On May 21 — the day before the discovery — she had picked up Ridley, who was carrying a suitcase with a foul smell. Ridley claimed it was “dirty wet clothes.” The driver took a photo of Ridley and later noticed a fluid stain on her car’s floor. When the driver saw news coverage of the suitcase discovery, she called police and shared the photograph.
Ridley was arrested on May 27. She initially denied involvement before confessing to the killing. Meanwhile, she had already called her employer — Exceptional Heart Home Care Services — to say Good had gone to stay with family in Florida.
Investigators say the cover-up was a family effort. Ridley’s sister, Bernadette Ridley, 55, allegedly helped dismember Good’s body. Her daughter, Liza Robinson, 32, and Robinson’s boyfriend, Gnaeus Daniels, 33, allegedly cleaned the crime scene and got rid of evidence. All three were arrested and charged.
Charges filed
- Liza Ridley — Murder, possession of an instrument of crime, abuse of corpse, obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence
- Bernadette Ridley — Abuse of corpse, obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence
- Liza Robinson & Gnaeus Daniels — Obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence
Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner credited two civilians whose tip helped solve the case quickly. A motive has not yet been established and the investigation remains ongoing.
Need help? If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
