Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said during a news conference Thursday afternoon a man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with an incident that occurred late Wednesday night.

Sollie said Jamie Gonzalez, 48, of 4609 Broadmoor Drive in Meridian, was charged with the stabbing death of Glen G. Pewder, 40, of 2189 Campground Road. Gonzalez was also charged with arson in the burning of Pewder’s home.

Lauderdale County Justice Court Judge Robbie Robinson placed Gonzalez on $125,000 bond for the murder charge and $75,000 bond for the arson offense.

At about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, volunteer firefighters from three departments responded to Pewder’s home in regards to a fire. Deputies arrived minutes later to conduct traffic control but during the fighting of the fire it was discovered that Pewder had not gone to work as he was supposed to. Pewder’s personal vehicle and motorcycle were still at the home.

Deputies and firemen began a search of the home after the fire was extinguished and then later expanded the search to the surrounding area. Pewder’s body was found about 30 yards from the back of the home in a ravine. He had apparently been stabbed multiple times in the chest.

It was later learned from information obtained a vehicle matching that of the one Gonzalez was known to drive was seen in the area just prior to the blaze that completely destroyed the home.

“We began then to try and find Gonzalez and during that time we discovered he had checked himself into a local emergency room for injuries he’d suffered,” said Sollie. “We also learned he had been transported to University Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment. We contacted authorities there to hold him for us which they obviously did.”

Gonzalez was taken into custody by Jackson authorities and later Thursday morning investigators with the LCSD transported him back to Meridian where he was questioned and then formally charged.

“We are still collecting evidence in this case,” Sollie said.

A search of the area in and around Pewder’s home was conducted Thursday afternoon to try and locate the murder weapon. There was no word as to if anything was found.