An investigation by local authorities and the State Fire Marshals Office continues this afternoon, regarding the murder of Charles Clarence Whatley and two fires involving his home and vehicle.
Mr. Whatley's home at 303 Union Springs Highway, was discovered on fire at 5:08 this morning. Mr. Whatley's body was discovered inside the home by responding firefighters. Some forty minutes later his vehicle was discovered on fire on Macon County Road 53.
Although the death has been classified as a murder, the cause of the two fires has not been released pending further investigation.