A Rocky Mount man and his girlfriend were arrested Saturday in connection with the shooting death of his wife.

Mark Bowling, 35, of Rocky Mount, and Rose Parker Vincent, 27, of Middlesex, were charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Julie Bowling, 45.

Julie Bowling was found shot to death inside the garage of her home Friday morning by a coworker who went to check on her after she failed to come to work, family members said.

According Nash County Sheriff Dick Jenkins, Mark Bowling and Vincent were involved in a romantic relationship that had been going on for about a year.

Investigators said that might have been a motive for the homicide.

"We believe it was planned," Jenkins said.

Investigators said there was no forced entry into the residence and that nothing was stolen. The firearm believed to be the weapon used in the shooting was also recovered, said authorities.

"Ms. Vincent is cooperating with authorities at this time, and we have interviewed Mr. Bowling and got some information that we needed from him," Jenkins said.

Family members said Mark Bowling was in Florida on a fishing trip when his wife's body was found. He arrived at the Rocky Mount Sheriff's Department Friday afternoon and was questioned by investigators.

Both Mark Bowling and Vincent were placed in the Nash County Jail without bond. Their first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday.