UPDATE: Man faces murder charges after woman's body found in Athens church fire | Local news

UPDATE: The TBI reports that an arrest has been made in connection with the murder of Linda Buchanan and the fire at St. Mark AME Zion Church.

Kyle Hickox is accused of first-degree murder.

The autopsy revealed that Buchanen died in the church before the fire. According to the TBI, the evidence led investigators to Hickox as a suspect.

Agents arrested Hickox on Friday and took him to the McMinn County Jail, where he is being held on $600,000 bail.

The TBI says additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has released the name of the person found dead in a fire-damaged church in Athens last week.

According to the TBI, 59-year-old Linda Buchanan was found at St. Mark AME Zion Church after a fire that broke out Thursday night.

Buchanan was the only person found inside the church. No other injuries were reported.

Athens Mayor Steven Sherlin said the fire started at the rear of the building and spread quickly.

Sherlin said fire crews from several agencies were able to extinguish the fire within about six hours.

The cause is still unknown and is being investigated.

Stay with the Local 3 News app for updates on this breaking story.

PREVIOUS STORY: The mayor of the city of Athens, Steven Sherlin, says the church is a total loss.

Due to the rapid spread, it took the fire department about six hours to bring the fire under control.

Mayor Sherwin said the outside of the rear of the building caught fire first.

One person died, no further injuries are known.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

PREVIOUS STORY: Athens Mayor Steven Sherlin confirms that a death is under investigation in connection with the fire at St. Mark AME Zion Church in Athens, Tennessee, Thursday evening.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

PREVIOUS STORY: Athens, Tennessee Mayor Steven Sherlin issued the following statement:

“We mourn the loss of historic St. Mark Church and remember its importance as the last remnant of the Free Hill community. This beloved institution was not just a place of worship; it was a cornerstone of our community and represented our shared values, traditions and connections.

During this time of grief, we extend our deepest prayers to all affected by this tragic loss. May we find strength in our unity and support one another as we move through this difficult time. Together, let us honor the memories made within these walls and strive to carry on the spirit of community that St. Mark Church embodied.

We will hold his legacy in our hearts and work to create spaces where joy, love and faith can continue to flourish.generations to come.”

McMinn County Mayor John Gentry also issued a statement on the fire:

“We pray for the congregation of St. Mark AME Zion Church tonight. We grieve with them over this loss. But knowing that a building is not what makes a church, I have faith that this group of Christ-followers will emerge even stronger. And our congregation will be there to accompany them on this journey.”

PREVIOUS STORY: Firefighters battled a large church fire at St. Mark AME Zion Church in Athens, Tennessee, Thursday evening, according to the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association.

Several agencies, including Englewood, Bradley County and Cleveland, worked together to extinguish the fire.

This is a developing story and will be updated.