DALLAS, Ga. -- The man charged with murder and kidnapping in the death of a cyclist on the Silver Comet Trail appeared in court today to hear the charges against him, just hours before the service for Jennifer Ewing began.

Ledford appeared in court under heavy guard, shackled at the hands and feet and wearing bullet proof body armour.

A magistrate judge in Paulding County told 43-year-old Michael William Ledford of Hiram of the charges against him. Afterwards, his family declined comment.

During the hearing Ledford told the judge he is 43-years old.

When the judge asked about his educational background Ledford said he has a GED.

The chief magistrate judge ordered the case transferred to Superior Court where Ledford will be scheduled for a bond hearing.

No one from Mrs. Ewing's family was in the courtroom.

The body of the 54-year-old mother of three was found Wednesday along the bike trail -- the day after she failed to return home to Sandy Springs following a bike ride.