By Journal Staff

SAULT STE. MARIE — Jacob Russell Mckerchie, 28, of Sault Ste. Marie was arraigned in the 91st District Court on Thursday on a charge of open murder and is being held without bond, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department announced.

Mckerchie on Wednesday was released from War Memorial Hospital and lodged at the Chippewa County Correctional Facility by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department.

The only additional detail being released regarding the victim, Hayley Smith, 27, of Sault Ste. Marie is that she suffered a severe laceration to her throat.

Mckerchie’s next court appearance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 26, with the court open to the public. The investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.

At 9:53 p.m. Tuesday, Chippewa County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from a residence at 810 Minneapolis St. stating a female and male subject at this address had both been cut. While officers were en route, it was reported that a male subject had left the scene on foot and was injured.

When responding officers arrived at the address, they found Smith, who was deceased. Additional responding officers located the male subject several blocks away and took him into custody.

Anyone with information or tips about the incident being investigated is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Darrell Harp at 906-632-5752 or dharp@saultcity.com.