HOUSTON -- A man suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend and destroying her body will remain jailed to protect him, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

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Slideshow: View Images Of Missing Student Case

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Timothy Wayne Shepherd, 27, was charged with murdering 19-year-old Tynesha Stewart, who disappeared on March 15.

Investigators said Shepherd confessed to strangling her, dismembering her and then burning her body on a grill at his northwest Harris County apartment complex.

"It's clear that the family believes the best place for Mr. Shepherd right now is the safety of the Harris County Jail," defense attorney Chip Lewis said.

Shepherd was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday and his bond was set at $250,000. He has been placed on suicide watch.

He appeared in court on Monday with family members showing support.

"The least we can do is support our family members," family friend Rev. Tommie Phillips said. "Even if they are wrong, we're not asking for justice to be overturned."

Shepherd was upset that Stewart had begun a new relationship, deputies said.

Detectives first thought that Shepherd had dumped Stewart's body in a Dumpster. They later learned that Stewart's body had been dismembered and possibly disposed of in several trash bins.

On Saturday, investigators revealed that Stewart's remains had been burned on a grill at Shepherd's apartment.

Shepherd's aunt said he is not the only person to blame. Janice Shepherd said Timothy Shepherd had a tough life.

"He should have got some help, but this family turned their back on him," Janice Shepherd said.

Timothy Shepherd's father died years ago, and his mother and stepfather disowned him, the aunt said.

"I don't blame him, I don't. I blame his mother. I blame his mother and that guy, I really do. I don't believe it's his fault," Janice Shepherd said. "I seen her the day before and I said, 'Who are you?' and he said, 'You know that's my girlfriend.' And it was like everything was alright."

Timothy Shepherd's attorney indicated he might challenge the confession.

"If there is a confession, it will certainly be tested as to whether it's a valid and legal confession," defense attorney Chip Lewis said.

Stewart was last seen alive at the Red Oak apartments, located at 17710 Red Oak Drive.

The former Nimitz High School honor student was a freshman studying civil and chemical engineering at Texas A&M University.

A memorial for Stewart will be held on April 7. The details have not yet been finalized.