CHEBOYGAN, MICH. (WWJ/AP) -- More than four decades later, a Northern Michigan man has been convicted for murdering his wife and disposing her body.
The conviction happened on Friday in Door County, Wisconsin, where the crime allegedly took place. Jurors found 86-year-old Richard Pierce guilty of first degree murder and disinterment of the dead -- despite him maintaining his innocence.
Carol Pierce was last seen in September 1975. Her body has never been found.
Investigators said Pierce moved to Cheboygan, Michigan shortly after his wife disappeared.
A cadaver dog handler testified at trial that the dog had six hits for human remains in Pierce’s Cheboygan house--leading investigators to believe he hid the body in his home somewhere.
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The prosecution argued that Pierce would benefit from his wife’s death, getting her property, including a home and truck, and could move on with a new girlfriend, reports the AP.
He'll be sentenced in August.
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