WAKESHMA TOWNSHIP, MI -- A man behind bars for the murder of his estranged wife led detectives to remains that police believe are the woman, missing since 2010, the Michigan State Police reports.

Detectives had been speaking with Doug Stewart in the time since he was convicted in 2011 of murdering his estranged wife, Venus Stewart, Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Chuck Christensen said.

"Myself and Detective Sgt. Todd Petersen were in contact with him through the years up in prison," Christensen said.

Though the murder case had been solved, police have not had an answer about the location of Venus Stewart's remains.

On Monday, Oct. 22, Stewart led police to to the area of U Avenue East between 42nd Street and 39th street in the southern part of Kalamazoo County.

Venus Rose Stewart

"A year ago he finally admitted to us he killed her," he said. "Through conversations with him, we were able to make an arrangement to locate her remains."

Police located remains there and they are confident the remains are Stewart's because of information in the investigation and other items found at the location.

The excavation of the remains is going to be a long process, he said.

Detectives spoke with Venus' mother, Therese Ann McComb, and relayed the news to her.

"We are happy in that maybe we can provide some closure to the family and give Venus a proper burial," Christensen said.

Stewart, 32, was reported missing by her parents, Therese and Larry McComb, of Colon Township, on April 26, 2010.

Police originally said they believed Stewart was abducted by her estranged husband, Doug Stewart, 29.

In May 2010, police said they had evidence that an impostor posed as Doug Stewart in Newport News and that Doug Stewart was in Michigan at the time of Venus Stewart's disappearance.

In June of 2010, Doug Stewart was arrested in connection with Venus Stewart's abduction and alleged killing.

In March 2011, Doug Stewart was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in Venus Stewart's death.