The 19th Annual Page Lake Powell Balloon Regatta in Arizona has come to an end after the last launch of its colorful balloons took to the sky on Nov. 5. However, the event was overshadowed by a disturbing incident that occurred at the Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix. An Arizona man, identified as Randall Scott Bird, was arrested on Nov. 28 and charged with five counts of crimes against a dead person.
Bird, a security guard at the hospital, allegedly performed a sexual act on the body of a 79-year-old woman who had died of natural causes. The incident was discovered during an investigation prompted by reports of possible crimes against a dead person. Court documents revealed that Bird’s job responsibilities included participating in the intake process at the hospital morgue, where he was responsible for moving bodies and placing them on freezer shelves.
According to witnesses, two security guards noticed unusual activity when they arrived at the morgue. The main entrance was locked from the inside, and the freezer door was cracked open. Inside the freezer, they found Bird in a disheveled state, sweating profusely, and acting nervously. The body bag containing the deceased woman was completely unzipped, and her hospital gown was rolled up, exposing a portion of her body.
Bird claimed that he had a medical episode and fainted, causing him to grab onto the victim’s body. However, witnesses stated that neither the bag nor the zipper was broken, raising suspicions about Bird’s actions. The incident was reported to their supervisor, leading to an internal investigation and subsequent involvement of the police.
The victim’s body was sent to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office for analysis, which further supported the allegations against Bird. Detectives executed a search warrant and collected DNA samples from Bird, connecting him to the crime. He has been charged with five felony counts of crimes against a dead person and is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 7.
Following the arrest, Banner Health, the organization overseeing the hospital, expressed their shock and condemnation of the alleged actions. They initiated an internal investigation, filed a report with law enforcement, and promptly terminated Bird’s employment. The company stated their commitment to high standards and treating everyone with compassion, dignity, and respect.
The Phoenix Police Department is handling the investigation, and Banner Health has pledged to cooperate fully. While the incident is deeply disturbing, the focus remains on ensuring justice and supporting the victim’s family during this difficult time.
