Crime

Church elder who reported wife missing charged in her murder

/ CBS/AP

Robert Lee Harris KCTV

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- An elder of a Kansas City, Missouri, church is charged with killing his wife, who was an associate pastor.

Johnson County authorities on Wednesday charged 30-year-old Robert Lee Harris, of Overland Park, with first-degree murder in the death of his wife of 18 months, 38-year-old Tanisha Harris.

Police said officers responded Monday to the couple's apartment about a domestic disturbance and returned when Harris reported that his wife was missing. Officers became suspicious of his story, and he then allegedly admitted being involved in her disappearance, reports CBS affiliate KCTV.

Her body was found later in Raymore, Missouri.

The Kansas City Star reports that she was an associate pastor at Repairers Kansas City, a non-denominational church. Pastor Carlton Funderburke described the newlyweds as "loving" and said there were "no signs at all" of trouble.

Harris is being held on $1 million. His first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

First published on January 11, 2018 / 10:53 AM EST

© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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