Suspect arrested for 2014 killing

ALBANY — Albany Police Department spokesperson said Phyllis Banks said Thursday that Dougherty County Sheriff Office deputies have arrested Samuel Bryant, 41, in the death of Cordale Brown, who died in a suspicious house fire in November, 2014.

Bryant is charged with felony murder, criminal damage to property, two counts of aggravated assault, arson, and probation violation in connection with the incident. Police believe he may also have had a part in the firebombing of a nearby apartment unit, officials say.

The blaze began in the bedroom of Unit D, 1718 Clark Ave., some time before 4:20 a.m. Brown’s body was later discovered in the living room of the residence, fire officials say. Banks said the victim died after a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the duplex. An autopsy found Brown died of smoke inhalation.

According to officials, the unit was without electricity and was supposed to have been vacant at the time of the fire. Bryant is currently being held in the Dougherty County Jail with no bond set.