Pearla Louis' body was discovered in a suitcase floating along the Embarcadero waterfront on May 18, 2010. Seven years later, the trial for her murder is finally coming to an end.

According to reports (we've covered this case before here), Louis was allegedly killed by her friend, 55-year-old Lee Bell in what authorities believe to be a case of domestic violence.

The case led to an internal SFPD investigation in September 2010 into whether a veteran investigator had mishandled domestic violence reports that were made by Louis in the months leading up to her death. Not only did Louis make multiple reports to authorities of being attacked and threatened by Bell, but at one point she was even interviewed by police with Bell in the same room with her.

Tourist Margarito Real explained to KTVU what happened when Real and a family member reported the suitcase they saw floating along the Embarcadero. "He (a firefighter) tried to pull it, but it was heavy .. He opened it and I think I saw a leg... It made my skin crawl. They told me to take my niece away. It was a horrible feeling... Fortunately, my niece did not see anything."

Louis was reported missing the day before her body was found. As for Bell, the Examiner reports that he has a history of domestic violence — a history his lawyer claims doesn't necessarily make him a murderer.

ABC 7 talked to Louis' family as Lee's trial finally draws to a close. "I often tell people if you think it could happen to you, it can," said Ayesha Louis, the victim's daughter.

Related: Dismembered Body In Suitcase May Have Belonged To Suspect's Friend And Roommate

Lee Bell. Photo: SFPD