The man accused of killing a Las Animas mother of three more than a year ago is formally charged on Monday.

26-Year-old Mark Anthony Gonzales was arrested two weeks ago and charged with first degree murder.

He's accused of strangling 28-year-old Chasity Stine to death last April. She's Gonzales' brother's ex-girlfriend.

Gonzales was stone faced, shackled and dressed up in an orange jump suite when he showed up to court on Monday.

Gonzales was escorted into the courthouse by Bent County Sheriff's Deputies. 11 News was there for his first day in court.

The 16TH Judicial District Attorney Rodney Fouracre presented evidence to a grand jury more than a month ago. It was the grand jury who decided there was enough evidence to arrest Gonzales.

"Somebody is finally getting into trouble for what they did to her, and I'm hoping justice will prevail," said Nicole Stine-Even, the victim's sister.

Gonzales and 32-year old Henry Isom Junior are brothers. People who live in Las Animas say they've been known to protect each other.

Isom was Chasity's estranged ex-boyfriend. A week before Chasity's disappearance she filed a restraining order against Isom. Throughout the murder investigation Isom had been the only person of interest.

Chasity's family believes Gonzales did not act alone and believes Isom was involved somehow.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed that somebody doesn't get away with murder," said Stine-Even.

Henry Isom Junior was arrested last week in Kansas for stealing a car from Lamar, CO.

As for Isom's little brother, Gonzales' bond is set at $250,000.

His public defenders will attempt to lower that amount during his next court date in September.