The Niles Township man whose wife was fatally shot Sunday has been charged with homicide and manufacturing a controlled substance, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

On Tuesday, John Lewis, of 1429 Lawndale Ave., was arraigned on the charge of a manufacturing a controlled substance. He appeared on camera before presiding Judge Angela Pasula in Berrien County Trial Court. The crime is a felony that is punishable by up to four years in prison, if he is found guilty. Lewis received a partial bond that was set at 10 percent of $7,000.

Lewis will be arraigned for the homicide charge Wednesday afternoon in Berrien County Trial Court in Niles. According to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, the homicide charge stems from the events that unfolded on Sunday. No further information regarding his charges is available at this time as the investigation continues. More information is expected to be provided at the arraignment, according to police.

Family and friends packed the courtroom Tuesday and waited with baited breath while the judge delivered Lewis’ charge and bond. The homicide charge was announced later by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday afternoon.

Lewis was arrested Sunday evening, after calling the cops to report that shots had been fired at his residence in Niles Township. When police arrived, they found that his wife, Carla Lewis, 52, had been shot in the basement. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lewis told officers that he and his wife returned to their home to find two unidentified African American males in the house. A fight ensued and one of the men shot Carla, according to Lewis’ report.

The suspects allegedly fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, a dark colored 2008 Mazda CX9 Wagon SUV with Michigan license plate number CMY3721.

Police are continuing the search for the suspects allegedly involved. The public is advised to immediately notify police if they see a car that matches the description.

During the homicide investigation, police determined that Lewis was in violation of medical marijuana compliance laws and he was subsequently arrested.

During his arraignment, Lewis repeatedly asked to see his wife.

“I need a lawyer because they killed my wife,” Lewis said. “I want to see my wife.”

Lewis’ family sobbed as they watched Lewis on camera.

Attorney Stephanie Farkas, who was present in the room with Lewis during arraignment, said she had a recommendation that Lewis receive a partial $10,000 bond.

“Mr. Lewis’ wife is a victim of the recent homicide that occurred this weekend,” Farkas said. “He was arrested as a result of the police responding to that homicide, your honor.”

She asked the judge to consider the circumstances of the case and allow Lewis to be with his family and to help plan for Carla’s funeral arrangements.

“I want to see my wife. They killed my wife and I have not seen her,” Lewis said. “I want to see her.”

Also Tuesday:

James Parker Huffman will undergo a mental health assessment per request from his attorney Scott Sanford, according to Berrien County Prosecutor Gerald Vigansky. Huffman was charged with open murder on July 25, for the alleged killing of his girlfriend, Angela Cluver, at their home at 996 S. 14^th St.

The mental health assessment will determine whether or not Huffman is competent enough to stand trial.