Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun provides updates on a homicide investigation to media on Friday.

UPDATE: This story has been updated with the names of the two suspects and the charges they face.

The search for a missing Meridian man has turned into a homicide investigation after the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department recovered a body Friday afternoon.

Sheriff Ward Calhoun said 38-year-old Morris Homer Williams III was last seen on Christmas Eve and reported missing Christmas Day.

“He was reported missing stating that the last time he was seen he was driving a 2015 Jeep Patriot vehicle, black in color with an Alabama tag,” Calhoun said.

On Dec. 29 shortly after 9 p.m., volunteer fire fighters were called to a vehicle fire on Newton Martin Road, Calhoun said. Deputies opened an investigation into the fire, he said, which was initially suspected and later confirmed to be the Jeep Patriot driven by Williams.

“Investigators have been working leads since that time, and today in the 3100 block of Russell Mt. Gilead Road, Mr. Williams body was recovered at an old homespot in that area of the roadway,” Calhoun said.

An investigation is ongoing and LCSD has taken two people into custody in connection with the case, Calhoun said.

Carlos Sanchez Atterberry, 37, is charged with murder and second degree arson, Calhoun said Saturday. His bond is set at $1,075,000. LCSD has also charged 47-year-old Tyrone Hersey with second degree arson and tampering with physical evidence. Hersey has since posted his bond, which was set at $50,000, and has been released.

Williams’ body has been sent to the state crime lab for autopsy, Calhoun said, which will help investigators learn more about the circumstances surrounding his death.

“Our condolences go out to his family and friends that knew him,” Calhoun said. “We’ll have more information once the charges are brought against the two individuals we have in custody.”