A judge has found sufficient cause to bind Mark Bucki, 49, over for trial in the death of his wife, Anita Bucki.
During a preliminary hearing in Lincoln County Circuit Court Thursday, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective Lt. Mark Gartmann testified regarding evidence found at the Bucki’s town of Corning home and investigators’ conversations with Mark Bucki.
Mark Bucki reported his wife missing from their home on Wegner Road 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.
Gartmann testified that Mark Bucki called the sheriff’s office on the evening of April 26 to report that Anita had gone missing while he was sleeping early that morning. She had left her purse, cell phone and vehicle at the residence. Investigators went to the Bucki home that evening and soon became suspicious of Mark Bucki, Gartmann said.
Anita Bucki’s body was found with seven stab wounds to the chest and massive bruising around the neck, consistent with strangulation. No murder weapon has been found, Gartmann said. The sheriff’s office is still waiting for reports from the state Crime Lab on evidence in the case, Gartmann testified.
Judge Conrad Richards denied a motion from the defense to lower Mark Bucki’s bond to $100,000. He remains in the Lincoln County Jail on a $2 million cash bond.
A conference to schedule an arraignment hearing was set for Aug. 29. The case will go to newly-elected judge Robert Russell when he takes office.