SALINE COUNTY — A 56-year-old Harrisburg doctor was formally charged in Saline County Court Thursday with first-degree murder and concealing a homicidal death in connection with the disappearance of his 49-year-old estranged wife, after a search resulted in the discovery of human remains.

Dr. Brian Thomas Burns was arrested early Wednesday morning after an investigation into the disappearance of nursing instructor Carla Burns of Marion. He was charged Thursday in Saline County Court with two counts first-degree murder and one count Class 3 felony concealment of a homicidal death, for allegedly shooting Carla Burns and burning her body and scattering the ashes. Bail for Dr. Brian Burns has been set at $10 million, or $1 million cash bond.

Carla Burns was reported missing on March 10 after a scheduled motion hearing in divorce proceedings filed by Carla Burns against Brian Burns. She was last seen March 8, in Marion.

An investigation into her disappearance was launched by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Illinois State Police, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Saline County Coroner’s Office, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, as well as other agencies.

The investigation is ongoing, but reportedly resulted in the discovery of remains believed to be those of Carla Burns during a search Tuesday night and Wednesday morning of property in the Mitchellsville area of Saline County.

A press conference initially scheduled for Thursday morning was postponed by the Saline County Sheriff’s Department until Friday at 10 a.m.