Serbia police arrest man after doctor's body found dismembered in freezer

Police in Serbia have arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as M. S., following the discovery of his 69-year-old mother's dismembered body in a freezer near Novi Bečej. The victim, a retired doctor, had recently sold the family home but was permitted to remain there temporarily by the new owner.

Investigators from the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Zrenjanin are leading the inquiry. While the exact cause of death is pending an autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Novi Sad, authorities are investigating whether the victim died of natural causes before being dismembered or if she was murdered.

Neighbors described the victim as a respected physician and noted that the suspect had a history of domestic violence and potential substance abuse issues. The suspect had previously been subject to criminal charges for violence and had undergone treatment in a prison hospital.