Athens man who set girlfriend on fire arraigned on attempted murder charge

By Joe Johnson

A 46-year-.old man has pleaded not guilty to charges he tried to kill his girlfriend last summer by setting her on fire.

Anthony Teres Jones entered the pleas during his arraignment last month in Superior Court on charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery.

The charges stem from the incident on August 25th when authorities said he set 49-year-old Getrude Willis on fire at their home on Scandia Circle.

The victim who suffered burns over her entire body told police she was getting ready to drive Jones to work when he attacked without warning, dousing her with an accelerant then setting her on fire.

Jones fled the scene while Willis ran to a neighboring home where a resident put out the fire with an extinguisher.

Jones later surrendered himself at the county jail, where he is being held pending trial.

Anyone who is in an abusive relationship can seek advice and support services by calling Project Safe's 24-hour hotline at (706) 543-3331, or by visiting http://www.project-safe.org