Attorneys for man accused of I-85 fire want charges dropped

ATLANTA — Basil Eleby, the man accused of starting the massive fire that led to the collapse of Interstate 85 in March wants all charges against him dropped.

The argument is largely based on state's decision not to prosecute the two other homeless people and the allegations solely coming from their witness testimony when they were originally suspects. The defense cites racial bias in that move.

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Police said Eleby was homeless when he set the fire that spread and brought down the part of the elevated roadway.

Eleby was charged with arson and damage to property. He spent 20 days in jail before he bonded out on April 19.
According to a document, Eleby has maintained he left the area before the fire started.

Eleby's attorneys called him a scapegoat for mistakes made by GDOT, in storing flammable materials under an overpass known as haven for the homeless.

Supporters of the accused man have also set up a website, urging the district attorney to throw out Eleby's case. It also urges support for homeless facilities.

Cox Media Group