The boyfriend of the missing Barry Schmalbach appeared in court on Monday for his arraignment where he pleaded not guilty.
It's been nearly a year since Barry Schmalbach's disappearance, and investigators still don't know where he is.
Christopher Davis , 37, appeared in court Friday wearing a padded jumpsuit and handcuffs.
The state argued it has a lot of evidence pointing to Davis being responsible for Schmalbach's disappearance.
The state argued that Davis was seen carrying a large bag, big enough for a body, down the stairs of the apartment that the two shared.
Davis was also said to have been seen buying a pickaxe, a shovel and other hardware at a hardware store before being seen by an employee dumping that shovel and pickaxe in the trash outside.
Prosecutors say Davis used Schmalbach's credit cards shortly after he was reported missing and he lied about his whereabouts.
Schmalbach was last seen in July 2023. Davis was the last person he was with, prosecutors say.
Davis' attorney says the evidence is hearsay.
The judge said that based on the information presented, pre-trial detention was granted. Davis is being held with no bond for all of his charges .
A court document states, "The court has found probable cause and there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the defense."
The state asked for this to be expedited and the judge granted that.
"That this case shall be placed on an expedited track and the parties are ordered to prepare to try this case within 120 days," a court document reads.
NBC2 was in the courtroom on Monday morning for Davis's arraignment.
Davis pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been appointed a public defender. He will appear in court again on August 29th at 1:30 p.m. for his case management.
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