The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified the man found dead in a burned Cornelia apartment on Monday as 57-year-old Thomas Spangler.
Spangler’s body was discovered just before 10 a.m. on January 16. He lived in an apartment in the backyard of a house at 837 Main Street. Authorities say the landlord had not seen Spangler since Friday, January 13, and went to check on him.
According to police, the landlord noticed what appeared to be smoke and fire damage to the outside of the residence. When Spangler did not come to the door, the landlord used a master key to gain entry and discovered the apartment was burned and called 911.
“Upon arrival, the Cornelia Fire Department made entry to verify that the fire was extinguished. Upon inspecting the residence, human remains were located inside,” says Cornelia Police Chief Jonathan Roberts.
Cornelia authorities asked the State Fire Marshal and Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance in investigating Spangler’s death.
GBI Public Affairs Director Nelly Miles says the fire “is believed to be related to a propane heater within the home.” She says an autopsy is pending.
