The husband, who “dismembered and disemboweled” his wife before Thanksgiving dinner, was found lying in bed inches from her body

A MAN suffering from dementia allegedly killed his wife hours before Thanksgiving dinner, leaving his family to find him lying in bed inches from his wife’s body.

Karlan Denio, 62, dismembered and undressed his wife Connie at their home in Alburquerque, New Mexico.

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Family members were supposed to be there for Thanksgiving dinner around 1 p.m. Thursday, but when they arrived, no one answered the door.

They called the police, who informed them that the officers could not force their way in.

The family then forced down the garage door to enter the home, where they discovered Connie dismembered in the bedroom.

Karlan lay on his bed, inches from Connie, with his legs and neck slashed open.

A second 911 call was made when Karlan’s sister discovered the tragedy that had occurred.

Denio’s sister reported to authorities that the house was dark when they finally entered, and she came in to find her brother on the bed with Connie’s remains on the floor.

“Karlan looked at her, whereupon [she] backed out of the apartment and called the police again,” the criminal complaint said.

Karlan was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) two years ago.

Experts from FTD warn against sociopathic behavior even though patients maintain moral boundaries and remember their actions clearly.

Denio’s neighbors are beside themselves after the tragedy.

“I’m stunned — this is incredible,” neighbor Rich Cordova told the Alberquerque Journal.

“They were lovely people and it was the last thing I expected tragedy to happen.”

Cordova said he lived alongside the Denio family for 20 years.

A relative shared a tribute and a photo of Connie as a child on Facebook, writing: “This is how I will always remember my Aunt Connie Denio. Young. lively. Fearless. Don’t be afraid to climb a tree in a dress.”

Another relative paid tribute to Connie. She wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of Connie, “So our Thanksgiving celebrations didn’t end at all if we all planned.”

She added: “Connie Denio was tragically taken from this earth.

“Please pray for immediate/extended family/friends at this very difficult time as they seek to find peace and comfort in the days to come. We love you Aunt Connie!

Karlan was taken to hospital for treatment for his lacerations and remains in police custody.

He was charged with one count of murder.