33-year-old Ruben Corzine made his initial appearance this morning in Wabash County Circuit Court as he faces a charge of first degree murder.

Judge Larry Dunn explained the charges to a hand-cuffed Corzine during a brief court appearance this morning. Dunn read the first-degree murder charge in which it is alleged Corzine used a knife to stab Jennifer L. Phelps to death yesterday morning at their residence at 909 North Cherry Street in Mt. Carmel.

Corzine told Dunn he could not afford to hire an attorney, so public defender James Lane was appointed to represent him.

Dunn set bail at $5 million or $500,000 cash and scheduled a preliminary hearing for February 10th at 1pm.

If convicted, Dunn said Corzine faces at least 20 years in prison with an extended term of life in prison also a possibility.