Fire death was manslaughter, authorities believe

Law enforcement authorities believe the Thanksgiving week fire that took the life of a 27-year old man in Utica was a case of manslaughter. The Oconee Sheriff’s Office announces the arrests of two persons—Karissa Jane Davis, no fixed address; and Daniel Falu, also known as Solomon Ezra and Solomon Kenzo. Both are charged with voluntary manslaughter. Falu also is accused of obstructing justice. The arrest warrants allege that the man and woman “on about 11-26-19 cause the death of Seth Gaunt without malice, express or implied, by starting a fire in an abandoned home and allowing the fire to spread further. The defendant knew that the victim was also present in the home and knowingly left him unattended and in an in-capcitated state, allowing him to perish and also failed to notify fire or law enforcement authorities of his presence in the home.” The fatal fire occurred at 6 Lonsdale Street.