ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The suspect accused of killing a Brighton businessman appeared virtually in Monroe County Supreme Court on Thursday.

Christopher Wernle, 48, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, according to court officials. Wernle previously pleaded not guilty in Irondequoit Town Court but the case has now been waived to a grand jury.

Edward Boucher, 65, was reported missing on May 14. Police say his body was found on Wernle's property on Helendale Road in Irondequoit the next day. Boucher's car was found nearby.

Investigators say Wernle hit Boucher several times with a blunt object, but they have not released a motive for the crime. They have only said Boucher and Wernle knew each other.

Wernle has been held in the Monroe County Jail on no bail since his arrest.