The man investigators say is the prime suspect in the disappearance of 16-year-old Alexandria Chery has been charged with murder.

The court issued an order instructing law enforcement to charge Sanel Saint Simon for first degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

Previously, Saint Simon was charged only with attempting to destroy evidence and lying to law enforcement. Saint Simon has been behind bars since July 29 – the day after Chery was last seen. It has been more than a month since her body was recovered and laid to rest.

“Our hope is that he gets convicted for the crime and he get put away for the rest of his life,” said Ray Joseph, Chery’s Uncle.

Bond has not yet been set for Saint Simon’s new charges. That amount will be determined by the judge in this case.

Saint Simon is expected to make his first appearance Thursday in courtroom 1 at 8:30 a.m.