Crime
Second Teen Arrested in Senior Skip Day Homicide at Newton County Park
Covington, GA – A second teenager has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a student at Denny Dobbs Park during a Senior Skip Day gathering last week, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
Tashshawn Lyons, 17, of Conyers, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a minor, and reckless conduct.
Authorities revealed that Lyons, a student at Salem High School, sustained injuries while fleeing the scene and was hospitalized prior to his arrest.
He is currently in custody at the Newton County Detention Center.
This latest arrest follows the March 21 apprehension of Jarvis Hinton Jr., 16, of Covington, who faces identical charges.
Hinton is a student at Newton High School, according to officials.
Deputies responded to Denny Dobbs Park just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered Justin Etienne suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, authorities determined that multiple student witnesses provided misleading information regarding the events leading up to the shooting.
Initially, some statements falsely suggested that Etienne was involved in the altercation, but investigators confirmed that he was an innocent bystander when the shooting occurred.
Law enforcement officials worked through conflicting testimonies, executed search warrants, and gathered critical evidence, ultimately leading to the arrests of Hinton and Lyons.
The investigation remains ongoing.
BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.
The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.
The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.