The court case for 38-year-old Trevor Bobocel of Wandering River, Alta. has been put over Monday. He is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a body after human remains were located in a rural area near Lac La Biche. Police believe the body is that of 34-year-old mother-of-five Roxanne Bigelow.
Bobocel said very little during his brief court appearance Monday except that he understood the charges against him in connection to the slaying of his common-law wife.
Police now say they're looking into the possibility the victim's body was put through a wood chipper.
Bobocel and Bigelow lived in a hamlet of about 80 people. Those who knew the pair say they had a troubled relationship that spanned about 15 years. Some sources say Bobocel had "a mean streak" and could change when he started drinking.
Officials confirmed police have responded to the couple's home in the past.
CTV News was told Bigelow ran an after-school program at a Youth Centre, was part of parent council at school, and worked as a janitor. She was also described as a loving mother to five children.
He will be transported to the Edmonton Remand Centre to be held in custody as he attempted to retain legal counsel.
His court case has been put over to March 28th.
With files from Scott Roberts
