( CNN ) -- The bodies of an American couple killed on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten were released to family members Tuesday as questions about their deaths remain unanswered . A man arrested in connection with the stabbing deaths had been scheduled to appear before a judge Tuesday , but that appearance was pushed to Wednesday , according to the island 's solicitor general , Taco Stein . The proceedings will not be open to the public . Stein gave no reason for why the appearance was rescheduled . Autopsies were performed Monday on the couple , found stabbed to death in their St. Maarten home , the solicitor general said . The bodies of Michael and Thelma King of South Carolina were discovered Friday at their oceanfront residence in Cupecoy , in what Stein described as `` an ugly scene . '' The suspect was arrested Sunday , and authorities are working to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to keep him in custody . No charges have been filed against anyone so far in the case . `` There are strong indications he is involved in the crime , '' Stein said Monday of the suspect , without divulging details . Identifying him only by his initials M.K.J. , the St. Maarten Public Prosecutor 's office described the suspect as a 28-year-old , Jamaican-born man . The prosecutor 's office said the suspect `` heavily resisted his arrest , '' engaging in a confrontation that ended with both him and a police officer `` wounded . '' After being treated at an area hospital , the man was taken to a police station . `` He has been cooperative to a certain extent , but was reluctant to answer critical questions , '' the prosecutor 's office said in a statement . The suspect 's attorney , Brenda Brooks , said she met with her client Monday at a police station in St. Maarten 's capital Philipsburg , where he is being held . He had signs of a `` beating , '' according to Brooks . St. Maarten is a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands , whose economy is based on the tourism industry . More than 1 million tourists visit the island each year . Stein , who was once solicitor general for Aruba , said authorities `` are not certain of the motive in the case . '' `` Some things are missing '' from the King 's home , but there were no signs of a break-in , he said . The killings occurred in what is `` generally considered a safe area '' that is popular with tourists , according to the solicitor general . `` This is something that does not happen every day , '' he said . The suspect and the slain couple did n't appear to know each other , said Stein , noting they `` were not moving in the same circles . '' Topper Daboul , a restaurant owner in the area , said he was a friend and business partner of the Kings . `` They were beautiful people , '' he said , adding he is `` still in shock . '' `` They were kind to everybody . '' Zane Jackson offered a similar story and sentiment in an interview with CNN affiliate WIS . Describing himself as a friend and business partner of the Kings , who helped him open a sports bar in Columbia , South Carolina , Jackson said , `` They 'd have given anything to anybody . '' `` It just seems very senseless , '' he said . `` They were good people . '' CNN 's Tristan Smith contributed to this report .
NEW : The suspect , who was due in court Tuesday , will now appear Wednesday . NEW : No reason was given for why the appearance was rescheduled . The suspect `` heavily resisted '' arrest ; he and a police officer were `` wounded '' Michael and Thelma King of South Carolina were found dead in their St. Maarten home .