PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The man accused of killing 50-year-old Mona Ellison in January has now been formally charged.

Christopher Sanders, 42, is facing first-degree murder charges after he allegedly beat and strangled Ellison. Sanders’ bond has been set at $1.5 million.

Court documents describe the murder as, “exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty.”