WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- What was scheduled as a preliminary hearing Monday instead became a plea hearing for a man accused in the disappearance and death of a Wichita woman.

Wichita police found the body of 30-year-old Mariana Christian near Cottonwood Park on Tuesday, July 29. She had been reported missing when a friend encountered an unidentified man, later identified as Kyle S. Bearden, after they went to her home to check on her.

According to police, Bearden reportedly told the friend that she had left on Friday, July 18, and he hadn't seen her since. Police say they found evidence of foul play at Christian's home, eventually leading to the recovery of her body and the arrest of Bearden in her death.

Bearden was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Monday. However, he instead plea

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