Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents have ruled the death of a Metter man as a homicide.

Cyrus Purdiman, assistant special agent in charge of the GBI's Statesboro office, confirmed Tuesday that Jeffrey Hagan, 53, of Webb Circle in Metter, was the victim of homicide. Hagan's body was found Sunday morning during the investigation of a house fire.

Purdiman did not disclose details, but said a GBI autopsy conducted Tuesday morning revealed evidence that Hagan was killed. Fire officials continue to investigate as well and have yet to determine the cause of the fire.
Hagan's body was found near the back door of his mobile home, said Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens in a news release issued Monday.

The home was destroyed by the fire, which was reported around 2:50 a.m. Sunday.

An initial investigation by state fire unit responders indicated that the fire started in the living room. The exact cause is still under investigation, Hudgens said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Statesboro GBI office at (912) 871-1121 or the Candler County Sheriff's Office at (912) 685-2658.