Arrest Made in Augusta House Fire that Kills Homeless Man

The Richmond County Coroner's Office was called to the scene of a deadly house fire overnight that investigators say was deliberately set.

Fire broke out at the home in the 500 block of Huntington Street around 2:00 am.  The victim was found in the burning structure while firefighters were battling the blaze.

Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen says the victim has been identified as 34-year-old Luis Gonzalez, who was homeless.  He was pronounced dead at 3:00 am.   An autopsy has been scheduled.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest in connection with the fire and Gonzalez' death.  Investigators say 31-year-old Ricky Chevez Cooper of Augusta has been charged with Murder and Arson in the First Degree.  No other information has been released yet.

Deadly Fire in Saluda County

Meanwhile, a fatal house fire was also reported this morning in Saluda County.

A man died in a house fire on Columbia Highway at Highway 378.  Authorities say 72-year-old Timothy Bruce Smith of Leesville was trapped in the burning home and died as a result of his injuries.

Two people died in a house fire on Old Louisville Road in Richmond County on October 14.  One of the victims was recently identified as 69-year-old Teresa Ingram.  Coroner Mark Bowen said authorities are still waiting for results of an autopsy on the second victim before the identity is released.

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