State police say John J. Castner, 61, used a gun to kill a 61-year-old male and then buried the body on his property at 344 Old Meacham Road. They charged him Wednesday with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a firearm.

Castner’s confession came after police received information about a possible homicide at his home in fall 2017.

Police also arrested Melissa L. Castner of North Bangor in connection with the investigation and charged her with assault in the second degree.

Police said Franklin County Court Judge Robert Main issued a search warrant after John Castner admitted to the murder. Police recovered both the body and the firearm believed to have been used in the homicide.

Melissa Castner (Photo provided — New York State Police)

Franklin County Coroner Brian Langdon authorized removal of the body to the Albany Medical Center for an autopsy to be performed today. A positive identification of the victim is pending autopsy, forensic examination and notification of next of kin.

John and Melissa Castner were arraigned in the town of Malone court and remanded to the Franklin County Jail in Malone, John without bail and Melissa in lieu of $30,000 cash bail or $60,000 bond.

The state police Forensic Identification Unit is still searching the property, and the case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call state police Troop B Violent Crime Investigation Team at 518-897-2000.