‘Asked about the smell’: Lyft driver picks up woman with suitcase hiding boyfriend’s remains—she claims it’s just ‘dirty, wet clothes,’ authorities say

A Pennsylvania woman is facing murder and related charges after authorities say she shot her boyfriend, dismembered his body, and then used a Lyft ride to transport some of his remains inside a suitcase. The case drew widespread attention after a rideshare driver reported a suspicious passenger and a foul-smelling suitcase that later became a key lead in the investigation.

According to prosecutors in Philadelphia, 53-year-old Liza Ridley has been charged with the murder of 53-year-old Vincent Good, her boyfriend and the man for whom she also served as a caregiver. Authorities allege that Ridley killed Good, concealed his remains for weeks, and then attempted to dispose of them with assistance from family members.

Discovery of Human Remains in a Suitcase

The investigation began on May 22 when a person searching for scrap metal in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood noticed a suspicious suitcase emitting a strong odor. Authorities were called to the scene on the 600 block of East Hilton Street.

When police opened the suitcase, they discovered the upper torso of a human body. Further investigation led officers to locate additional human remains in two large trash bags nearby. The remains were later identified as Vincent Good. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

Victim Identified as Vincent Good

Authorities identified the victim as Vincent Good, a 53-year-old Philadelphia resident. Prosecutors said Good was physically disabled and had previously undergone amputations of part of a leg and a hand. Ridley worked as his caregiver and was also romantically involved with him. The two lived together in a residence on Leonard Street in Northeast Philadelphia.

Family members later described Good as a kind and humorous person who enjoyed giving nicknames to people he met.

The Lyft Ride That Became a Major Break in the Case

One of the most significant developments in the investigation came from a Lyft driver who unknowingly transported the suspect while she was allegedly carrying Good’s remains. Prosecutors said Ridley requested a Lyft ride and loaded a gray suitcase into the vehicle.

Driver Questions the Foul Odor

According to Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope, the driver immediately noticed an overwhelming smell coming from the suitcase once it was placed inside the vehicle. Concerned by the odor, the driver asked Ridley about it.

Ridley allegedly responded by apologizing and claiming that the smell came from “dirty, wet clothes” inside the luggage. The explanation did not completely satisfy the driver, who found the situation unusual.

Driver Takes Photograph of Passenger

The Lyft driver reportedly became so suspicious during the ride that she took a photograph of her passenger. Prosecutors later praised the driver’s instincts, saying she sensed something was wrong.

After seeing news reports the next day about human remains being discovered in a suitcase, the driver contacted police and informed investigators that she believed she had transported the person responsible for dumping the luggage. She then provided the photograph she had taken during the ride.

Authorities described the driver’s actions as instrumental in helping detectives identify and locate Ridley.

Prosecutors Say Good’s Body Remained in Home for Weeks

Investigators believe Vincent Good had been dead for more than two weeks before his remains were discovered. Prosecutors alleged that Ridley shot him multiple times in the head inside the Leonard Street residence and left his body there for an extended period.

Neighbors Reported Horrible Smell

Neighbors told local media they had noticed a strong odor coming from the residence in the days before arrests were made. Several residents said the smell was so intense that they believed something had died nearby.

One neighbor described the odor as resembling that of a dead body, while others said they initially suspected dead animals or issues in the basement.

Home Allegedly Cleaned Before Search

When investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence, prosecutors said the home appeared unusually clean. Authorities alleged that Ridley and other suspects admitted to cleaning the property and removing a mattress that Good had been using. Investigators viewed those actions as attempts to destroy evidence.

Ridley Allegedly Confesses to Shooting Good

During the investigation, prosecutors said Ridley eventually admitted to shooting Good in the head. Authorities have not yet disclosed all details regarding the motive, but investigators indicated they are examining possible financial incentives connected to the case.

Authorities Investigating Financial Motive

Assistant District Attorney Pope stated that investigators are looking into what she described as a possible fraud component of the case. Authorities are examining whether financial benefits connected to Good may have played a role in the killing.

Investigators continue to review records and other evidence as they seek to determine the full motive behind the homicide.

Additional Family Members Charged

The investigation resulted in charges against three additional people connected to Ridley. Prosecutors announced charges against her sister, Bernadette Ridley; her daughter, Liza Robinson; and Robinson’s boyfriend, Gnaeus Daniels.

Allegations of Evidence Tampering

Authorities allege the three relatives helped conceal evidence after Good’s death. They face charges that include tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice. Bernadette Ridley and Liza Ridley were also charged with abuse of a corpse.

Prosecutors believe family members assisted in moving, concealing, or cleaning up evidence connected to the homicide.

Lyft Ride Ordered Through Daughter’s Account

According to prosecutors, the Lyft ride used to transport the suitcase was allegedly ordered through Liza Robinson’s account. Investigators say this detail further connected members of the household to the disposal of the remains.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate several unanswered questions, including exactly how long Good’s remains were kept in the home and the circumstances surrounding the dismemberment. Prosecutors have indicated that forensic analysis remains ongoing.

Investigators are also continuing to review evidence related to financial records and communications among the suspects.

A Rideshare Driver’s Suspicion Helped Crack the Case

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly highlighted the role played by the Lyft driver, whose decision to question the smell, remember the passenger, take a photograph, and later contact police became a crucial turning point in the investigation.

Without the driver’s observations and willingness to come forward after seeing news reports, investigators may have faced a much more difficult task identifying the person who allegedly transported and abandoned the suitcase. Prosecutors have credited that tip with helping move the case forward and ultimately leading detectives to the suspects now facing charges.