2 arrested in slaying of business owner, 82

Two people were arrested Thursday in connection with the slaying of a northeast Georgia business owner, authorities said.

Rayfondia Nashon Craft, 45, of Hartwell, and Kristen Odister, 30, of Bowersville, were arrested for the slaying of Samuel V. Harbin of Lavonia, GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

Both suspects are charged with one count of malice murder, Miles said. Preliminary GBI autopsy results indicate the cause of death was homicide by blunt force injury.

Harbin, 82, was the owner of the Point South Mobile Home Park on Highway 17, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.

After Harbin failed to report to his office Monday, an employee found the body at his Gilmer Street residence in Lavonia, officials said. Lavonia is about 90 miles from Atlanta.

The arrests follow a nearly around-the-clock investigation by several agencies, Miles said. The investigation continues.