News
News

Man arrested in Gainesville motel murder

By David Markiewicz
Jan 15, 2015

Police arrested a 29-year-old man accused of a murder at a Gainesville motel, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Jose Antonio Garcia-Flores is charged with one count of malice murder in the killing 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.

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 found safe in New York, investigators say, he became the prime suspect. The U.S. Marshals Service brought him back to Gainesville, where he was charged.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible, police said.

Check back at ajc.com for further updates.

About the Author

David Markiewicz
More Stories

Keep Reading

Darius Robinson was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Courtesy of Greene County Schools)

Credit: Greene County schools

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

The Greene County High coach was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of simple battery, according to investigators.

Georgia Power, PSC staff strike deal for $16B expansion to power data centers

Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission’s staff unveiled a deal that would allow the utility to build huge amounts of new power plants, mostly to serve data centers.

Warnock renews push for enhanced job training with bipartisan bill

Employers that come to Georgia “are having a hard time finding workers with the education they need,” U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said in a written statement.

The Latest

Darius Robinson was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Courtesy of Greene County Schools)

Credit: Greene County schools

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

Sweet Tea: Use your time wisely

A.M. ATL: It’s actually happening

Featured

Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools

Waymo cars ignored stopped school buses in Atlanta. What happens now?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. The autonomous vehicle company has issued a software recall.

Search for new MARTA chief hits snag

The search for a new leader for the regional transit authority is widely seen as one of the most important duties facing the Marta Board

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

The Greene County High coach was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of simple battery, according to investigators.