A judge found probable cause for charges of murder in the second degree and manslaughter in the first degree during a first appearance hearing for a man arrested in connection with a homicide investigation in Auburn, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Charanpreet Singh Walia, 36, was arrested on Friday, Mar. 13 by the Auburn Police Department. During the hearing, the court set bail at $5 million, the amount requested by prosecutors.

According to a first appearance document filed with the court, the incident occurred around Noon on Mar. 13 at a home in the 30300 block of 125th Court SE in Auburn (read our previous coverage here).

Investigators wrote in the probable cause statement that a family member called 911 to report that Walia and his wife were arguing and that Walia had a gun.

According to the document, Walia later called 911 and told dispatchers that he had shot his wife. Officers responded to the home, used public address announcements to call occupants outside, and Walia exited the house and surrendered to police.

Police entered the home and found the victim on the second floor with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Medics attempted lifesaving measures but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The probable cause statement says investigators were told the victim was pregnant.

Prosecutors said the first appearance hearing is separate from a formal charging decision, which requires a higher legal standard. According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecutors had not yet received the full felony case referral from investigators at the time of the hearing but expected it from police by Mar. 17 for a charging decision.

Walia remained in custody at the King County Jail on the $5 million bail set by the court.

Information about the hearing and investigation was provided by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Auburn Police Department.

Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.