HAMILTON

Mark Smich, the second suspect in the Tim Bosma killing, has been formally charged with first-degree murder.

With his hands in his pocket, the 25-year-old Oakville man wore a brown T-shirt and loose black pants as he appeared briefly in court Thursday morning. He was remanded in custody to June 13.

A publication ban was placed on the proceedings.

Smich was arrested in Oakville Wednesday shortly before a memorial service was held for Bosma in Hamilton. His remains, burned beyond recognition, were found May 14 on a farm owned by Dellen Millard, eight days after he disappeared with two men who wanted a test drive in the truck he was selling.

Millard, 27, was charged last week with first-degree murder, forcible confinement and theft of a vehicle. The Toronto aviation heir has indicated through his lawyer that he will plead not guilty and that there is more to the story.

Hamilton Police say the two men are the suspects who allegedly kidnapped and killed the young father.

Investigators are still looking for a third suspect.

Outside the courtroom, defence lawyer Tom Dungey said Smich will be pleading not guilty. “We will be defending this case vigorously,” he said.

Smich, who appeared to have a black eye and a scrape on his cheek, has been in trouble with the law before.

He has five previous convictions, including two for drug possession and one for impaired, and has an outstanding mischief under $5,000 charge for graffiti on an overpass that was supposed to be back in Milton court June 3.