Mark Bucki, accused of killing his wife and hiding her body in April, entered not guilty pleas to three felony charges in Lincoln County Circuit Court Friday.
Bucki, 49, is charged with first degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse and suffocation/strangulation. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
At Friday’s arraignment hearing, defense attorneys entered a motion to reduce Bucki’s bond from the initial $2 million cash bond he has been held on since being arrested May 13. Defense attorney James Lex argued that Bucki isn’t a flight risk, as he has family in the area and owns property. Judge Jay Tlusty denied the motion to reduce bail, noting the severity of the charges.
“First degree intentional homicide is the most severe crime in the state of Wisconsin and the penalty would be life in prison,” Tlusty said. “Clearly the issue of flight is a concern to the court.”
Mark Bucki reported his wife, Anita, missing from their home on Wegner Road in the town of Corning April 26. Her body was discovered in a swamp off Cty. Rd. C in Taylor County, about 19 miles from their house, on May 10. Mark Bucki was arrested and charged with her murder on May 13.
The defense has entered a motion to dismiss the case. A hearing on that motion has been slated for Oct. 1.