Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A Lithonia man will spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering a man at a gas station after heated argument, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today, Aug. 19.  William Cooper, 21, was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the death of Delantay Johnson, 28, on March 6, 2025.   According to the investigation, officers with the DeKalb County Police Department responded at around 10:20 a.m. to a report of a person shot at a gas station in…

CONYERS, GA–The Conyers City Council work sessions will now be held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 4 p.m. followed by city council meetings at 6 p.m. Work sessions offer the mayor and all council members the opportunity to weigh in and discuss various topics or projects prior to being presented for consideration at regular city council meetings.  Agenda items discussed during a work session will not be considered or voted on at the council meeting scheduled for the same evening. Items will be placed on the city council agenda for consideration and a vote at the…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Members of an organized auto break-in ring have each pled guilty to racketeering, theft, and other charges for stealing from nearly 500 cars across Gwinnett County. From Nov. 24, 2022 to March 28, 2024, Gwinnett County Police noticed a trend of cargo vans being broken into at night and high-end painting equipment being stolen. The seven defendants, who were between the ages of 21 and 26 at the time of the crimes, broke into the nearly 500 vehicles to steal guns, cash, and other items.  Authorities said the group also stole several cars from Gwinnett County and used…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers residents eager to learn more about their city government and community are encouraged to register for “Conyers University,” a free, six-week program designed to educate and personalize local government for citizens. Conyers University participants will attend the program for six Mondays beginning Oct.12, from 6-8 p.m. All sessions with the exception of the public safety session and recreation/tourism session will take place at Conyers City Hall.  Classes will be led by city staff and officials on a variety of topics and departments relevant to citizens living and working in Conyers. Graduation and recognition for Conyers University participants will take…

BILOXI, MS– On the day Nolan Xavier Wells should have celebrated his 19th birthday, his family, faith leaders and supporters from across the country will gather in Biloxi for a National Prayer Rally honoring his life and calling for truth, transparency and accountability. The rally will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. , at Greater St. John AME Church, 551 Division St., Biloxi, Mississippi 39530. Jamal Bryant, nationally recognized faith leader and senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, GA, will deliver the keynote address. The gathering will serve as both a solemn moment of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the in-custody death of a 26-year-old inmate at the DeKalb County Jail. According to authorities, Tehutihotep Hartley of Decatur was found unresponsive in the facility on Monday morning.  Aug.17.  On-site medical personnel and emergency medical services  administered aid, but  Hartley was pronounced deceased in the jail’s medical clinic.  The Sheriff’s Office stated that the incident may have been an unanticipated medical emergency with no evidence of foul play. The cause of death remains undetermined while a full investigation is conducted, officials said. “We extend condolences to the Hartley family,” says…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol quickly tracked down the suspect of the fatal hit-and-run on Dogwood Drive that claimed the life of Andrea Cantrell, 43, of Conyers. Authorities arrested Derrick Lydell Mathis, 52, of Oxford and charged him with Homicide by Vehicle. Mathis was located at a motel in Conyers, just 12 hours after the incident was reported on Monday, Aug. 17. Conyers Police Department’s Flock Safety intelligence platform and license plate reader technology played a significant role in quickly developing critical leads in the investigation, officials said.  Police officers and the Georgia State Patrol worked together…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently mailed nearly 260,000 property tax bills on Aug. 14 to property owners for the 2026 tax year. Owners who signed up for e-alerts may also check their email for billing notifications. Property owners are receiving newly redesigned tax bills with easy-to-understand details, and clear payment information and deadlines. Additionally, the office launched its new property tax payment website, which now provides taxpayers with convenient e-payment solutions, including improved property search and payment options. “DeKalb County taxpayers now have the option for a modern and intuitive payment process, both online and in the…