Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

A Sterling Heights man is being held without bond in the Oakland County Jail on charges related to the stabbing death of a 26-year-old Milford man on New Year’s Eve day.

According to Milford Police, 29-year-old Matthew Molinaro was arraigned in 52-1 District Court on charges of first-degree premediated murder.

"I completely endorse the prosecutor’s decision," Chief Scott Tarasiewicz said. "The evidence in this case supports the harshest of criminal charges."

According to a release, Molinaro "emerged as a suspect" in the murder of 26-year-old Peyton Bilbia at his residence in off East Summit Street in Milford.

Officers found Bilbia during a welfare check about 4:25 p.m. Wednesday after his girlfriend had contacted police concerned she had not heard from her boyfriend.

Investigators discovered Bilbia dead in the house with injuries "consistent with a violent attack," Milford police.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested Molinaro attending a New Year’s Eve celebration at a club in Royal Oak.

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office confirmed Bilbia suffered multiple stab wounds. In a release, prosecutors said the defendant had reportedly dated the victim’s girlfriend previously. She obtained a personal protection order against the defendant earlier in December.

Bilbia, a 2017 Holly High School graduate who grew up in Grand Blanc, was employed by D.E. McNabb Flooring in New Hudson, according to his obituary notice.

His sister Kayla said the family had established a GoFundMe account to accept donations to cover funeral expenses.

"Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of my brother, Peyton, who passed away at just 26 years old," the family said in its GoFundMe message. "As we grieve, we are focused on honoring his life and the love he shared with everyone."

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 7 at Sharp Funeral Home in Grand Blanc.