JAY — A state police detective filed a criminal complaint Wednesday against James E. Sweeney of Jay, stating he “intentionally or knowingly” caused the death of Wendy Douglass on Tuesday.

Jay police found the body of Douglass, 51, on Tuesday morning at her 5 Jewell St. home after they were asked to check on her welfare.

She and Sweeney, who friends say was called “Ted,” were a couple who lived there.

Sweeney, 56, turned himself in to Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office in Auburn just before 8 a.m. Tuesday.

He was detained and interviewed by detectives from the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit-South, Lt. Brian McDonough, commanding officer of the unit, said Tuesday during a brief news conference on Jewell Street.

Following the interviews Sweeney was charged with murder, he said.

Detective John Kyle filed the complaint in Androscoggin County Superior Court in Auburn for the Franklin County court system.

An autopsy was expected to be done on Douglass’ body on Wednesday morning.

Sweeney is scheduled to make an initial appearance at noon Thursday at Androscoggin County court before Justice William Stokes. All other court dates will be held in Franklin County.

Friends who consoled each other on Jewell Street during the day Tuesday described Douglass as a “happy go lucky” person who would help anyone. She worked at a grocery store in Livermore Falls, not too far from her home.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

James E. Sweeney

Representatives of the Maine State Police and Medical Examiner’s Office prepare to go into the home of Wendy Douglass, 51, at 5 Jewell St. in Jay on Tuesday. Douglass’ boyfriend, James Sweeney, 56, who lived with her, has been charged with murder in her death, state police said.