One man is dead and another is charged with murder after a shooting at a Newton County motel.

Terry Yates, 30, of Covington, was arrested late Wednesday in connection with the incident at the Super 8 motel on Alcovy Road, according to a news release issued Thursday.

Covington police were sent to the motel about 9:20 p.m., department spokesman Officer Justin Stott said in the release. They found the victim, who ultimately died of his injuries, Stott said.

The victim’s name was not released.

It is not clear what evidence led investigators to file charges against Yates. Stott said detectives interviewed witnesses in the case and found the gun used in the slaying in a field off Rocky Plains Road.

An investigation is ongoing.

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State Rep. Kimberly New, R-Villa Rica, stands in the House of Representatives during Crossover Day at the Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC