Cops: Man beaten and killed, set on fire in Covington woods

Benjamin Marcus Johnson (Credit: Newton County Sheriff's Office)

Benjamin Marcus Johnson (Credit: Newton County Sheriff's Office)

A man was found beaten to death and set on fire in a wooded area of Covington this past weekend, police said.

Michael Avon Williams, 62, was found late Saturday night near Turner Lake Road and Washington Street with severe head injuries and on fire, Covington police Capt. Craig Treadwell said.

Witnesses saw smoke coming from the area and called an officer, who found Williams’ body. The officer grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

It is not known how much of Williams’ body was burned.

Police later arrested Benjamin Marcus Johnson, 39, on murder, concealing a death and arson charges.

Treadwell said both men were homeless and are believed to have known each other, but a motive has not been determined.

Johnson was taken to the Newton County jail.

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