Dennis Weyers

A 46-year-old man faces a charge of criminal homicide after he told police he woke up the day after Christmas to find his girlfriend dead in a home they shared, according to an affidavit of complaint.

Dennis Weyers, who lived with his girlfriend, Robin Sanders, at 103 Cross Street, said he found her lying face down and unresponsive after he called 911. The bed sheets and blankets were stained with blood on them and Sanders had bruises on her arms, back and legs, according to the report.

Initially, responding police officers were unable to determine Sanders' manner of death.

The Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Sanders died after she was attacked.

Weyers reportedly changed his story and was unable to explain the bruising on her body. He said he was the only one with her since Dec. 23.

Sanders' death marks the 24th homicide in 2012 for Chattanooga. In 2011, there were 25 homicides, according to records.

Weyers has a bond set at $800,000. His next court date is set for Jan. 22 before Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Christine Sell.