An Elkhart man accused of killing his roommate has appeared in court.

Jose Ortiz Diaz faces a murder charge in the death of 44-year-old Margarito Estrada Hernandez, whose body was found inside a Christmas tree box at their Village Lane home.

Police say they first went to the home for a welfare check in early April, but Hernandez wasn’t found.

The Goshen News says later, officers returned and discovered the box in a closet, noting a strong odor of decomposition. Investigators say Ortiz Diaz later told them the two argued before the situation turned physical.

A jury trial is scheduled for August 3, with additional hearings set in May and July.