HOLLAND, Mass. - A local man is now facing a murder charge in the death of 29-year-old Austin Schepper of Sturbridge.

Jonathan Poirier was arraigned in Palmer District Court on Monday, which Schepper’s mother noted was the night of her son’s wake. In a post on social media, she added ’They got him.’

Schepper had been missing for 15 days until his body was found on February 26 off of Union Road in the town of Holland.

According to Sturbridge Police Department records of a 2021 arrest for driving with a suspended license, Poirier lived on Union Road not far from where Schepper’s body was located.

The area is remote, surrounded by woods with several homes along the road.

In his obituary, Schepper is described as a former Eagle Scout who helped build an observation deck at Old Sturbridge Village, a man living with autism who overcame many hurdles to lead a productive, joyful life, and the victim of a senseless act of violence.

Friends and family gathered on Wednesday for Schepper’s funeral at the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home in Southbridge, followed by a burial at North Cemetery in Sturbridge.

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gullini said he stands with Schepper’s family as his office now turns its attention to seeking justice in this case.

Poirier is being held without bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 6.

According to reporting from Boston.com, Poirier had previously been charged with larceny and credit card fraud in connection to Schepper’s disappearance. The Hampden County District Attorney’s Office could not confirm this information, citing the ongoing case involving Poirier.