PHOENIX (CBS5) -
A Phoenix woman arrested in connection with the murder and dismemberment of her mother has plead not guilty.
Phoenix police said they found the body of 73-year-old Deborah Hatley on July 30 at her home in the 12000 block of North 47th Avenue.
Sgt. Trent Crump said the victim had obvious trauma to her body and was "in the process of being dismembered."
Crump said the victim's daughter, Carol Hatley, 42, provided a statement to police and was arrested on one count of second-degree murder.
About 3:30 a.m., Carol Hatley went to neighbor Regina Martinez to call 911.
Martinez said, "She just said her mother had passed and that she was dead and that she needed some help. She was not all bloody, she was drunk."
Martinez said Carol Hatley was so drunk she helped take her home until paramedics arrived. Carol Hatley never mentioned allegedly hurting her mother except for one alleged instance.
"Right before I brought her home she said, 'Oh it was so bloody,' I said, 'What was so bloody?' And she said, 'It was so bloody,'" said Martinez.
Phoenix police said they found trash bags in the home that were apparently to be used to dispose the body.
The victim was the original homeowner and lived there since 1972.
"The family is telling us about a history of domestic incidents involving the mother and the daughter," Crump said. "We're also learning about alcohol and prescription drug abuse."
Melanie Hatley was Deborah Hatley's daughter-in-law until a few months ago. She tells us Deborah Hatley had great love for her children and was a wonderful lady.
Melanie Hatley said, "She had that Southern charm. Uh, great sense of humor, very kind, very loving ... she adored her children, absolutely adored her children."
Carol Hatley's next scheduled court date is Sept. 28.
Stay with cbs5az.com and CBS 5 News for updates on this developing story.
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Carol Hatley
Deborah Hatley, Carol Hatley
