ALPENA – The suspect in the murder of a missing woman from the Marshall area but staying in the Onawayarea was arraigned in 89th District Court Thursday morning.

Brenton Lee Walker, 55, of Millersburg faces four felony charges including first degree murder in the death of Heather Young, two counts of felony firearms and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Walker could face life in prison. He is being lodged in Presque Isle County Jail without bond.

In order for Walker to be charged with felon in posession of a firearm, he would have to been convicted of a felony before, but law enforcement officials have yet to relase any information about Walker’s criminal past.

Walker was last seen by witnesses leaving Cabin Bar and Grill in Onaway with Young in the early hours of July 31 and her vehicle was located in what Michigan State Police Alpena Post Commander John Grimshaw called an “odd” location. A warrant was issued for Walker’s residence on Rainy Lake Road in Millersburg Tuesday, at which time Young’s body was located in a wooded area. As police moved in on Walker, cadaver dogs, helicopters and a ground search team looked for Young’s remains on the 80 acres of property listed in the search warrant. Grimshaw did not say if Young’s remains were found on the 80 acres of woods, or outside of it.

Young went missing after she had a fight with her boyfriend and went to the bar where she made contact with Walker and left the bar with him. That was the last time she was seen alive.

At a press conference Wednesday, Grimshaw said Young’s boyfriend is not a suspect and appears to have no involvement in the murder. He said there were many agencies involved in the investigation, including MSP troopers and detectives from Alpena and Gaylord posts, MSP Crime Lab from Grayling, MSP aviation unit, Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.

The police investigation is ongoing, but Grimshaw said anyone with information regarding the case can contact his office.

“We had several tips to this point in the investigation and most didn’t pan out,” Grimshaw said. “We are always looking for people who may have something to add, which could strengthen the case or help lead to more charges.”

More details regarding the investigation and arrest will be released after the autopsy report is completed and the two crime scene investigations are complete. Walker is expected back in court Tuesday for a felony pre-trial.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews. Read his blog, Upon Further Review … at www.thealpenanews.com.