COVINGTON, Ga. – The Covington man accused of killing Michael Williams and setting his body on fire last month was denied bond by Superior Court Judge W. Kendall Wynne, Jr. at the Newton County Courthouse Wednesday morning.

Benjamin Marcus Johnson, 38, is accused of killing Williams, 62, and burning his body in a wooded area near Washington Street and Old Brown Bridge Road May 6. He was arrested that same day by Covington Police.

Newton County Assistant District Attorney Amber Bennett told the court Johnson has a criminal history and presents a risk to the community if released on bond. Judge Wynne agreed and ordered that Johnson remain in the Newton County Jail.

Johnson is currently charged with murder, concealing the death of another and first-degree arson.