GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Police have arrested a 29-year-old man accused of brutally murdering a man at a Gainesville motel.
Jose Antonio Garcia-Flores is charged with one count of malice murder in the death of Harmon Lavender, 52, of Augusta.
Lavender was found inside a hotel room at the Sun Suites on Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville around 2 p.m. on Jan. 10.
A person who works nearby told Channel 2 Action News the body was discovered by a maintenance worker. He said the maintenance worker told him the body was dismembered. Police would not confirm that, saying they would not release any details specific to the case as to not hinder the investigation.
Investigators initially listed Garcia-Flores as a missing person in connection with the case, saying they were concerned he may be in danger.
Once he was located safe in New York, investigators say, he became the prime suspect in the case.
The United States Marshals Service brought Garcia-Flores back to Gainesville, where he was charged.
The investigation is still ongoing and more charges are possible, according to police.