Gainesville police make arrest in Sun Suites hotel murder

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville police announced Thursday morning they have made an arrest in the murder of 52-year-old Harmon Lavender of Augusta, whose body was found Saturday at the Sun Suites Extended Stay Hotel on Jesse Jewell Parkway.<br /> <br /> It's a murder one Gainesville Police Corporal described as brutal.<br /> <br /> Jose Garcia-Flores, 29, initially listed as a missing person in connection with the case, was located in New York and quickly became the primary suspect in Lavender's murder, according to Gainesville Police Cpl. Kevin Holbrook.<br /> <br /> While he didn't know the exact location, Holbrook believed Garcia-Flores was arrested in the New York City area on an unrelated parole warrant out of Georgia. He was apprehended without incident, according to Holbrook.<br /> <br /> The United States Marshals Service brought Garcia-Flores back to Gainesville where he has formally been charged with malice murder.<br /> <br /> Lavender was stabbed multiple times; his body was discovered by a hotel employee around 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10. Authorities have not said when they believe the actual murder occurred.<br /> <br /> Investigators are also keeping crime scene and manner of death details quiet until trial, but Holbrook said the case has impacted authorities.<br /> <br /> "I will say that this was a very violent, vicious, brutal death. This was one of the most gruesome crime scenes that we at the Gainesville Police Department and veteran members of the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) have investigated in our careers."<br /> <br /> Holbrook added that the motive had not been determined, but that the victim and suspect knew one another.<br /> <br /> "We will say that they were known associates. Their exact relationship and additional details are being held until trial as to not hinder the case."<br /> <br /> Authorities said Garcia-Flores was born in Mexico but had lived in Gainesville for a number of years.<br /> <br /> Holbrook also acknowledged there has been a lot of buzz in the community about the case.<br /> <br /> "This was an isolated incident. We did work diligently on this case, and again there have been many rumors, much speculation regarding and surrounding this case, and we want the public to know that we have had their interest at heart."<br /> <br /> Authorities said more charges could be filed after they consult again with the Hall County District Attorney's Office. Holbrook said additional arrests in the case are not expected.

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