No Bond for Hart County Couple Charged in Death of Lavonia Business Owner
Rayfondia Craft
A Hart County couple remain in the Franklin County Detention Center without bond; charged in the murder of a Lavonia business owner earlier the week.
Franklin County Magistrate Judge Cody Grizzle announced Friday bond was denied for Rayfondia Craft, 45 of Hartwell and Kristen Odister, 30 of Bowersville after their arrest Thursday.
Samuel Verner Harbin, 82, was found dead in his home on Gilmer St. Monday after he failed to show up to his office at the Pointe South mobile home park he owned.
Kristin M. Odister
An autopsy by the GBI Crime Lab determined Harbin had died of blunt force injury.
Harbin’s death 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 Thursday afternoon that Craft, and Odister were both arrested in Bowersville and have been charged with one count each of malice murder following a consultation with Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Parks White.
According to Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle and GBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Ayers, the investigation continues and more charges may be forthcoming.