A Fairbanks woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder by Alaska State Troopers, who said they found a body on the property of a man who hadn't been seen since November.
Troopers said in a Tuesday dispatch that 49-year-old Monica Forbes, described as "a long-time acquaintance" of 51-year-old Michael Pope, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The case began when troopers received a Dec. 4 report from Pope's employer that he was missing.
"After interviewing friends and family of Pope, Nov. 25 was determined to be the last day anyone reported seeing Pope," troopers said. "On December 14, 2015, after following up with interviews and search warrants, the body of a deceased person was located on Pope's property. After additional interviews, the deceased is believed to be Pope."
Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said in an email Tuesday that the body was found in "the Chena Pump area" near Fairbanks. Investigators didn't immediately have further details on the case as they continue to examine what happened, asking the public for details that may be relevant.
"As always, if anyone believes they have any information that is pertinent to the case, they are asked to provide information to our Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks at 451-5100," Peters wrote.
Troopers said Pope's next of kin have been notified. The body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Anchorage for a positive identification and autopsy.
Forbes had been scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Fairbanks Superior Court, but Fairbanks court clerks said Tuesday morning the local district attorney's office had delayed her arraignment until Wednesday.
Correction: This story originally stated Monica Forbes was 50 years old. She is 49.