Man arrested in Gainesville motel murder

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.

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