Investigation continues into Senior Skip Day fatal shooting at Denny Dobbs Park, victim identified as Rockdale County student

NEWTON COUNTY, GA—An outpouring of prayers and condolences have been extended to the family of Justin Etienne, 18, a Rockdale County student who was identified as the victim fatally shot during Senior Skip Day at a Newton community park on Wednesday, March 19. 

One mother said her son told her that his entire class was crying after learning about the tragedy. Etienne, the mother said, was a popular, well-liked soccer player at Salem High School. 

The shooting took place at Denny Dobbs Park during a large gathering of high school students from Newton and Rockdale County as part of Senior Skip Day. 

Etienne was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from injuries, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office said. 

 The Sheriff’s Office said the preliminary investigation indicates that the incident was isolated between the suspect and the victim, and the suspect is not a danger to the community. There is no evidence suggesting gang involvement and no other injuries were reported in connection to the incident, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office said. 

The Rockdale County School District had notified parents on Wednesday night that a tragic incident in Newton County might impact Rockdale County students, saying that the school district was working closely with law enforcement concerning the investigation. District officials, however, not released anything further acknowledging the death of the Salem High School student. 

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office extend their deepest condolences to the family of Justin Etienne during this time. Sheriff Brown also extends his gratitude to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Analyst Unit for its dedication and hard work. Investigators worked diligently through the night, conducting numerous interviews and executing search warrants, and continue to pursue all leads to solve this case, Sheriff Brown said. 

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has relevant information to come forward. Parents are encouraged to speak with their children to determine if they were present during the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Dunston at 678-625-1589 or Lt. Bill Watterson at 678-625-1419. 

Anonymous tips, videos and social media posts can also be submitted via  anonymoustipline@newtonsheriffga.org or crimeanalyst@newtonsheriffga.org.