Handyman lover arrested in gruesome murder of mum-of-two

A man has been arrested in connection to the death of a 51-year-old mother, Orsolya Gaal, whose butchered remains were found inside a duffel bag near her New York home.

On Saturday morning at around 8am (local time), Ms Gaal's remains were found in a bag just one kilometre from her Queens home by a jogger.

Ms Gall was stabbed more than 55 times in her neck, torso and arm, police said.

On Thursday (local time) New York Police Department confirmed that 44-year-old David Bonola was arrested and is faced with murder charges.

Speaking at a press conference, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said police detectives saw Bonola on Wednesday night.

He voluntarily went to the police station for questioning, where he made "incriminating statements" and while the investigation is ongoing, there are no "outstanding suspects".

The detective also confirmed Bonola and Ms Gaal were involved in an intimate, on-and-off affair for about two years. Bonola was employed by Ms Gaal as a handyman.

Police said the pair had ended their affair, however, they recently reunited in April.

On Friday, April 15, Ms Gaal went to a show before taking the train back to her neighbourhood where she stopped off at a local bar.

Police believe she returned home at 12.20am on Saturday and Bonola arrived at the residence a short time later, either being let in the home voluntarily or using the hidden key.

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"A heated argument ensues between the two in the basement," Detective Essig told reporters.

"A knife is brandished, a violent struggle ensues, resulting in our victim being stabbed ruthlessly and brutally in excess of 55 times causing her demise."

He added that a knife was recovered at the crime scene and Bonola then retrieved the hockey bag which belonged to Ms Gaal's son.

Bonola then disposed of the body and fled the dumpsite through a park, where investigators found a jacket that they believe he wore during the "vicious crime".

Following the discovery of Ms Gaal's body, there were concerns for her family.

Ms Gaal's husband, Howard Klein and the couple's 17-year-old son were visiting universities in Oregon at the time of her death.

Sources told WPIX that Mr Klein received a text message after her death.

"Your whole family is next," the text reportedly said.

However police do not believe Ms Gall's family is in any danger since the arrest.

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