MAYS LANDING--Authorities have identified the body found near an Egg Harbor Township Creek as a local artist who was well-known in the community. Her husband made his first appearance in court today on murder charges.

As 48 year-old Jon Hilyard enters the courtroom, he says little as he stands before the judge for allegedly murdering his wife. "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say about these charges can be used against you," the judge advised.

Authorities say Hilyard strangled his wife, 45 year-old Chun Hilyard, inside their Egg Harbor Township home early Tuesday morning. "I'm shocked, really shocked because he's a nice man," said the woman who lives across the street from the couple's home.

It's a concept that's hard for many in the tight-knit community to grasp. "I don't know, he's a nice guy," said the woman, "I couldn't believe he did this."

The body of Hilyard, who was a well-known local artist, was found yesterday morning near a creek off of Spruce Avenue, prompting the investigation. Authorities say just hours later, Hilyard showed up at the local police station. "The defendant, the man we have now charged, went to the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and reported his wife was missing," said Murray Talasnik, Atlantic County's 1st Assistant Prosecutor.

Officials say having a suspect in custody for the murder so quickly is a testament to the kind of police work done here in the county. "We went from the discovery of an unidentified decedent and within in a period of 12 hours, law enforcement was able to identify the decedent, was able to determine the cause of death, was able to determine a manner of death," said Talasnik. He said it's remarking that it took just half a day from investigating the grisly discovery to making an arrest.

While Hilyard remains in the county jail on $1 million bail, those who knew his wife and her art work say she will be sadly missed.

The couple has three young sons who are being cared for by family members right now.

Those who knew Hilyard through her art say she was incredibly gifted, gracious, and gentle, and that was shown through her work.