CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Boone County Sheriff's Department charged a Hamlin woman Friday with the slaying of an elderly man who was found dead in his home earlier this week.

Maura Shea Perry, 20, of Hamlin is charged with the first-degree murder of 71-year-old Jimmie Cooper.

Cooper's body was discovered Wednesday after concerned co-workers went to his house when he failed for several days to report to his job, the sheriff's office said. When co-workers arrived at Cooper's residence, they found the door partially open and called the sheriff's office. Deputies checked the house and found Cooper's body.

Investigators believe Cooper was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head as he lay in his bed at home.

Police think Perry had an ongoing relationship with Cooper and stole property after the slaying, which they say she pawned off to pay for her drug habit.

Police recovered Cooper's abandoned car at a park and ride in Scott Depot, Putnam County, on Thursday. They said several items have been recovered from area pawnshops that belonged to Cooper.

Perry was being held Friday in the Southwestern Regional Jail, awaiting arraignment before a Boone County magistrate.