Body found of missing Buchanan man
Published 4:44 pm Thursday, March 5, 2009
By Staff
The body of Richard Marbeiter, 56 of Buchanan, who reportedly hadn't been heard from since October 2008, was found Wednesday evening, buried on his own property – the apparent victim of foul play, authorities said.
Police spent much of Wednesday afternoon turning the earth at Marbeiter's residence in Buchanan where he reportedly lived alone.
According to the Michigan State Police, the search started after a suspect, allegedly Edward DePoy, 33, was arrested in St. Joseph County, Ind. on Tuesday, "for an existing Michigan Department of Corrections absconder violation."
DePoy, who has not yet been arraigned on any charges, was subsequently interviewed by detectives after waiving extradition back to Michigan and jailed in Niles at the Law Enforcement Complex at 1600 Silverbrook.
According to the Michigan State Police, after the suspect was questioned by police and an admission to "the circumstances of the death of Marbeiter (was) revealed.
"The suspect then led detectives and troopers to the location of the body," police continued.
In late January, a missing person's report was filed for Marbeiter by his family. At the time, police were told by friends that Marbeiter hadn't been heard from since October.
At the same time, police report that "a person of interest was developed that was systematically selling the personal property of Richard Marbeiter. Numerous valuable items were recovered over the last month, including vehicles and construction equipment utilized in Marbeiter's business."
Marbeiter had owned and operated Doctor Turfgrass Lawn Care.
No details were given about the exact role DePoy is accused of playing in Marbeiter's death or what led to the suspected foul play.
According to reports, yet another suspect is currently being sought by police in connection to the case.
Authorities are calling that individual a "person of interest" who may know more about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Berrien County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing reports for potential criminal charges, police said.
The Niles City Police Department, Fifth District Investigative Support Unit, Michigan State Police cadaver dog and the U.S. Marshals Task Force of South Bend, Ind. assisted the Michigan State Police in the investigation.