ATLANTA – A 61-year-old Briley Township man is accused of murdering someone police believe to be his wife.

Erich Louis Wilfinger was arraigned in 88th District Court Friday on one count of open murder, according to a release from the Michigan State Police Alpena Post. Police believe the victim to be his wife, 51-year-old Marsha Lee Wilfinger, and the Michigan State Police Forensic Laboratories are conducting additional DNA and dental tests.

The arraignment comes less than a week after police found what they believe to be the remains of Marsha Wilfinger in the back seat of her vehicle. On June 20, Michigan State Police Troopers and Alcona County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle fire at the intersection of Sheridan Valley Road and Scenic Route 3, according to an earlier release from the Michigan State Police. After Albert Township firefighters extinguished the blaze, human remains were discovered in the back seat.

An all-night investigation and a trail of car parts and impressions leading to the fire scene led police to Erich Wilfinger’s residence, where they made contact with Wilfinger and determined the body found in the burning vehicle was his spouse, according to the earlier release. There was also indications of a recent domestic assault on the premises.

Erich Wilfinger is being held without bond pending a July 17 preliminary examination.