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.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less