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A man who had been on the run for more than eight years made his initial appearance in Webster County Magistrate Court Saturday morning.

Mark Anthony Wilson, 50, was ordered held under a $1 million bond by Webster County Magistrate William Thatcher for first-degree murder.

Wilson - extradited from California - was charged in the 2001 death of Joni Lee Manning, 43. Manning was found dead in her home near Clare in rural Webster County by one of her sons in July 2001. An autopsy revealed that she died of head injuries caused by blunt force.

Webster County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Jim O'Brien and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Ray Fiedler flew with Wilson back to Iowa. They arrived at the Des Moines International Airport about 10 p.m. Friday night with Wilson in handcuffs and shackles. O'Brien said they did not encounter any problems on the flight back.

Through interviews they conducted in California, O'Brien said they were able to determine that Wilson had an alias.

"Apparently (Wilson) had assumed another identity," O'Brien said. "There's more follow-up that will be done and can be done locally."

He did not release any further information on the alias, but he did say that the investigation is continuing.

The agents had to follow strict protocol set by the Transportation Security Administration to travel with concealed weapons, according to Sgt. Luke Fleener, of the Webster County Sheriff's Department. These guidelines include a mandatory training program, extensive documentation and a planned itinerary, Fleener said. The Federal Air Marshal Service and the Office of Law Enforcement assisted the local agencies in making sure appropriate measures were taken.

Wilson was also charged in Magistrate Court with forgery and second-degree theft. Bonds in those two charges were set at a total of $110,000. A failure to appear for an arraignment charge was transferred to District Court.

The Webster County attorney's office withdrew a warrant issued on July 9, 2001, for Wilson to appear as a material witness.

A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday.

As far as the trip to extradite Wilson, O'Brien said it was very productive. He also said how overwhelmed he was with law enforcement agencies from Iowa to California and everywhere in between. He said they were "extremely hospitable, helpful and professional."

"From a law enforcement standpoint, it's an overwhelming relief to have him here in custody - it creates somewhat a sense of finality even though it's not over until after the trial," O'Brien said. "I have no idea what it's like for the family, but I'm pleased he's back here for their sake. I certainly would anticipate a great sense of finality and closure for the family."

When Judge Thatcher asked Wilson during the initial appearance if he had any questions, Wilson responded, "No, no. I'm fine."

Contact Angela Burch at (515) 573-2141 or aburch@messengernews.net