Man charged in Athens motel fire that killed 1

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Police say a man has been charged in connection with a fire at an Athens motel where a woman was found dead.

Firefighters were called to the America’s Best Inn on Atlanta Highway Monday afternoon. Authorities say the blaze was contained to a single room where 34-year-old Anita Dantzer Watson of Bogart was found dead inside. All other motel guests and employees evacuated safely.

Police say 34-year-old Richard McGaha of Bogart has been arrested in connection with the fire. Police say he’s charged with criminal damage to property. It was not immediately known if McGaha had an attorney.

Authorities say an autopsy will be performed to determine Watson’s cause of death.