DURHAM — A former Durham police officer is charged with first-degree murder in the beating death of a woman in January.

Broadus Crabtree, 49, of 219 Southerland Ave. was arrested Sunday. Officers say they think the case is drug-related, but would not discuss a specific motive.

Employees at Cable Com found the body of Shelby Rigsbee, 30, on a service road near their office on U.S. 70 East. Rigsbee had no permanent address, and had not been reported missing. She was identified through her fingerprints.

Crabtree left the police department in 1994 after serving 16 years on the force. He does not have an arrest record.

Crabtree is being held in the Durham County jail without bail.