Michiel Oakes, a 42-year-old Kennewick man, has been charged with murdering former Island resident Mark Stover. Stover, a dog trainer for many Seattle celebrities, grew up on the Island and lived in Skagit County. He went missing last October.

Oakes, who was the boyfriend of Stover’s ex-wife, was found shortly after Stover was reported missing with evidence linking him to the crime. Oakes’ attorneys have said they will argue that Oakes was acting in self-defense when the trial starts in September.

According to Komo News, Skagit County Superior Court Judge Mike Rickert recently ruled that Oakes does not have to reveal where Stover’s body is located because doing so would violate his right to remain silent.

Oakes was released on bail of $5 million.

Previous Reporter coverage of Stover’s disappearance can be found here.