A 37-year-old man appeared in a St. John's court Saturday to answer to two charges of second-degree murder, stemming from one of Newfoundland's longest missing persons investigations.

Joseph Anthony Oliver was arrested Friday in connection with the deaths of a couple whose whereabouts were unknown for 13 years, police said.

Back in the summer of 1993, Kimberley Lockyer and Dale Worthman vanished from their home in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, a small town on the northwest outskirts of St. John's.

Their vehicle still in the driveway, their toast still in the toaster.

Last July, their remains were found buried in a wooded area off a dirt road in the community. Autopsy results showed they were shot to death.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary on Friday said Oliver was from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's.

The RNC would not comment on how Oliver knew Worthman and Lockyer or whether anyone will be collecting on the $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Oliver's lawyer, Bob Buckingham, would not say how his client will plead. The next court date is set for Feb 20. Buckingham said he would be seeking a bail hearing.