Jamie Lee Dowless in court Thursday

A Columbus County man accused of murdering his wife made his first appearance in court Thursday.

Jamie Lee Dowless is charged with the murder of Carol Batten Dowless. His next court date is set for November 4, 2008 in district court.

Jamie Lee Dowless is being held in the Columbus County jail without bond.

Carol Dowless disappeared in 2005. Her remains were found last month in Chadbourn.

Deputies arrested Jamie Lee Dowless Wednesday. Sheriff Chris Batten said he has not confessed, but has offered enough information to investigators to believe they have the right man in custody.