One man is facing murder charges after allegedly beating his cousin to death early Wednesday morning at a residence in Clyo.

 At approximately 8 a.m., Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a residence in the 200 block of Sam Smart Road on a report of an assault. Deputies located the victim, Arthur Scruggs, 63, inside of the residence suffering from multiple blunt force injuries to his head. Scruggs was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

 Deputies arrested Darrell Lovett, 51, of Clyo, and charged him with murder. Lovett and Scruggs lived in the same residence. The investigation revealed that Lovett struck Scruggs with a shovel multiple times in the head following an argument. Lovett was denied bond Thursday morning.

 This homicide remains under investigation by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

 An autopsy will be performed Thursday at the GBI Crime Lab in Savannah.