AUBURN — A Jay man will remain jailed without bail after he was charged in the Tuesday slaying of his live-in girlfriend.

James E. Sweeney, 56, of 5 Jewell St. appeared in Androscoggin County Superior Court Thursday, aided by an American Sign Language interpreter.

Sweeney was charged in a Wednesday complaint with intentional or knowing murder of Wendy Douglass. He won’t enter a plea to that charge until or unless a Franklin County grand jury hands up an indictment because murder is a felony. All felony charges in Maine must be brought by a grand jury in order to proceed to trial.

Meanwhile, a hearing is expected to be scheduled to determine whether Sweeney should be eligible for bail. At that hearing, prosecutors would have to show probable cause that Sweeney committed the crime and that the community would be at risk if he were freed.

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

Sweeney turned himself in to authorities at Androscoggin County Jail here shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday.

He was detained and interviewed by Maine State Police detectives before he was charged and jailed .

An autopsy was scheduled to be performed on Douglass’ remains on Wednesday morning.