Two Arrests in Harbin Murder
Two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a Lavonia man earlier this week.
Samuel Vernon Harbin, age 82 of Lavonia was found Tuesday at his residence by an employee.
Preliminary autopsy results completed by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office indicate that the cause and manner of death was homicide by blunt force injury.
That sparked an almost around the clock investigation by the Lavonia Police Department, the GBI, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.
The GBI announced this afternoon that Rayfondia Nashon Craft, male age 45 of Hartwell, and Kristen Odister, female age 30 of Bowersville were both arrested in connection with the August 8th murder of Harbin. Both suspects were arrested today in the Bowersville area without incident.
Both Odister and Craft were charged with one count each of malice murder following consultation with District Attorney Parks White.
As the investigation continues to progress, additional criminal charges will be forthcoming. Anyone with information concerning Craft or Odister and their connection to this crime are urged to contact the Hart County Sheriff’s Office at 706-376-3114, the Lavonia Police Department at 706-356-4848, or the GBI at 1-800-597-8477.