A Whitley County man was indicted on a murder charge after investigators said he killed his girlfriend who was reported missing at the time.

A grand jury indicted 58 year old John P. Meadows of Williamsburg on charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence.

The indictment alleges Meadows killed his girlfriend, Donna Lay, on January 25. Police believe Meadows was living there with her remains in a trash can for around three weeks. Lay was reported missing on January 27.

Investigators said Meadows searched the internet for information on how a body decomposes and had supplies to try to disguise the odor.

When police interviewed Meadows they said his story did not add up. Meadows remains behind bars in the Whitley County Detention Center.