MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of murdering and dismembering a woman in Marion County is being held without bond.
- Christopher Takhvar accused of killing Belleview woman
- Detectives say he also dismembered her body
- Although he confessed, Takhvar claims self-defense
Detectives arrested 43-year-old Christopher Takhvar in Texas. He is charged with killing 63-year-old Robin Upson of Belleview.
A hiker found Upson’s remains in the Ocala National Forest in June.
Detectives say Takhvar, Upson's business partner and friend for about 20 years, stole a van belonging to her family and then killed her, dismembering her body and dumping it at the national forest.
Deputies later discovered that the homicide and dismemberment happened at Upson’s home, with parts of her body buried in the backyard, Takhvar told a detective.
Forensic technicians and the Marion County Medical Examiner confirmed the body parts were buried there.
Investigators say he confessed to the crime but claims self-defense.
Along with second degree murder, Takhvar is also charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Takhvar made his first appearance Tuesday morning, where the judge denied him bond.