Police have charged a man in a homicide in the City of Erie on Tuesday.

Gordon Kirkland, 45, was arraigned Wednesday morning on charges including homicide, first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime.

Officers were called to the 1100 block of E. 28th St. near Brandes St. around 11 a.m. and found the body of a 48-year-old woman dead in the backyard.

Police said she lived at the address and was reported missing.

Witnesses told investigators Kirkland was seen outside the home around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Officers also collected his fingerprints at the scene, according to the criminal complaint.

The victim suffered numerous defensive wounds to her hands and arms, according to police. She also suffered severe lacerations to her back and hand. Kirkland also had a cut to his hand.

Authorities said phone messages indicated there was an ongoing domestic dispute between Kirkland and the victim.

An autopsy on the victim is scheduled for Thursday.

Kirkland was denied bond and taken to the Erie County Prison.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20.