Man accused of decapitating wife says he was "trying to get the evil out"

PHOENIX - A man accused of decapitating his wife and their pet dogs before mutilating himself has admitted his guilt in a court appearance.

Phoenix police identified the man as Kenneth Dale Wakefield, and police say he admitted to them stabbing his wife, Trina Heisch, multiple times before decapitating her at their home near 13th Place and Colter Street. Wakefield also admitted to smoking marijuana and spice about an hour before the incident. He said he was trying to get the evil out.

Wakefield remains in jail on $2 million bail after being booked on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty.

Investigators say Wakefield also killed their two dogs and stashed the bodies in a closet. They say he then gouged out one of his own eyes and cut off his left hand at the forearm.

The grisly scene was discovered July 25 by a neighbor who went to check on Heisch and said Wakefield came to the door naked, covered in blood.

The couple had a history of violence and mental health issues.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.