UPDATE (03/07/2022 5:15 p.m.) – Candidate for 3rd US congressional district and father of fire victim Dr. Valbrun Almonord spoke with News 3 about his son’s death and now he’s asking one question. Why?

“I want the public to know he was a good man ya know,” said Almonord. “And since the last day he lost his life… I don’t know why anybody kill him like that, I don’t know why, can’t say I know why.”

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – 18-year-old Richard Jernigan, who was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a house on the corner of 16th Street and 14th on Friday March 4, where a man was found dead inside the burnt down home, appeared in Columbus Recorder’s Court on Saturday March 5.

Division Chief of Columbus Fire John Shull has confirmed Jernigan was arrested and is still currently detained.

According to Court Officials Jernigan is being charged with 1st degree arson and 2nd degree criminal damages. His bond is set at $146,000 for criminal damage and $75,000 for arson.

The case was bound over to Superior Court.

Chief Shull said two investigators are currently working on the case and the investigation into the fire and death of the victim, 47 year-old Val Almonord Jr. whose body was found inside the damaged home.

News 3 will continue to update you on-air and online as this story continues to developed.