“Person Of Interest” Facing Murder Charge

A Salina man arrested as a “person of interest” in the disappearance of a Salina woman is facing a murder charge.

24-year-old James Heil, described as a “person of interest” in the disappearance of 27-year-old Kristin Tyler, taken into custody Wednesday night at a hotel in Abilene and held on an unrelated probation violation.

According to Saline County Jail Records Friday morning, an additional charge of Intentional and Premeditated 1st Degree Murder is being requested against Heil. He was first booked into jail on charges that include failure to appear and a probation violation.

Tyler had been missing since April 25. She was thought to be heading to a convenience store when she disappeared. Her body was discovered Thursday afternoon on Stimmel Road below Interstate 135.

Officials have planned a media conference for Friday morning.