COLUMBIANA – A Chelsea man charged with murder was released from the Shelby County Jail on Monday, Dec. 19, on a $500,000 bond.

Adam Michael Burrus, 37, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 15 for the murder of Constance Leigh Woolweaver, 37, who was found dead in her Highland Lakes home on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

The preliminary hearing for Burrus is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Shelby County District Court with Judge Daniel Crowson, according to court records.

Police described Burrus and Woolweaver as long-time friends and business partners.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego previously said investigators developed Burrus as a person of interest on the morning of Dec. 15 and contacted him at his business in Sterrett.

Burrus willingly met with investigators, who determined probable cause and procured search warrants for Burrus’ home, business and vehicle.

After searches were completed, Burrus was charged with murder and booked into the Shelby County Jail.

There was no evidence of forced entry at the residence, Samaniego said, and the victim was found near the entryway.

Samaniego described the shooting as a “crime of passion,” and not pre-meditated, but said investigators are so far unaware of any ongoing dispute between the victim and suspect, who were described as “part-owners” of a business.

The investigation is ongoing, including work to establish a motive.

The public is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 669-4181 with any information related to the case.

Tips may also be sent anonymously to the Sheriff’s Office webpage at ShelbySO.com by clicking on the “Report Criminal Activity” link.