A Crawfordsville man accused of shooting and decapitating his wife was arraigned Tuesday in court on a murder charge.
Michael Dale Parks, 44, appeared in Montgomery Circuit Court by video from jail, where he’s being held without bond. Judge Harry Siamas entered a not-guilty plea on Parks’ behalf.
Parks was arrested Thursday afternoon hours after police found the body of Hope Parks on a bridge on C.R. 225W over Sugar Creek. He is accused of killing his wife at their south eastside home and dumping her body before reporting her missing to the police.
There were no new details to release about the investigation Tuesday.
Parks answered yes or no questions from the judge and said his family plans to hire an attorney for him.
If convicted, Parks faces up to 65 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. He could receive an additional five to 20 years behind bars for using a firearm.
His next court date is set for Oct. 19. A jury trial is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12.
Family members who watched from the courtroom declined to comment.
