Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Deaniyka Body. On July 24, Body jumped out of a vehicle while being transported and ran near the State Route 316 eastbound ramp. Officers responded to the area and attempted to locate her. During the search, Body was reported hiding between vehicles at the QuikTrip at 5050 Sugarloaf Parkway in an attempt to avoid being found by officers. She remained in the area for approximately 30 minutes and was reported asking people for a ride before leaving the area. Body is described as a…

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a convicted felon who shot a man who asked him for money at a gas station.  Homer Wright, 46, was found guilty of three counts of Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the June 23, 2025 shooting of Jquante Lenon, who is now 46. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams, who presided over the trial, sentenced Wright to 20 years to serve in custody without the possibility of parole during a hearing…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A traffic stop by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of six people and the seizure of an estimated $2.8 million in suspected marijuana, $40,000 in cash and other drugs , authorities said today, Aug.13.  DeKalb County deputies conducted the traffic stop on a van on Aug. 4. Investigators seized $40,000 in cash and  approximately 220 to 250 pounds of suspected marijuana. Further investigations led to a storage facility in DeKalb County, where deputies executed a search warrant and recovered an additional estimated 1,200 boxes of synthetic THC, mushroom (Psilocybin) and suspected marijuana products. Six individuals…

CONYERS, GA— Conyers residents are gaining access to information and assistance aimed at helping them navigate some of life’s biggest challenges. Through a series of community events in recent weeks, Mayor Connie Alsobrook has brought local and regional experts together to find residents practical solutions  and connect them with available resources.  On July 25, more than 100 residents attended a Homeownership Workshop hosted by the mayor in partnership with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA).  Held at Cultivation Church in Conyers, the workshop provided attendees with practical information about the homebuying process, including down payment requirements, financial preparation, mortgage qualifications,…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Process Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals, have arrested a 16-year-old wanted in connection with a double homicide.  The July 2 shooting resulted in the deaths of Demarcus Shirley,13, and Chauncey Newman, 45. After evading apprehension since Aug. 5, the juvenile was taken into custody at a residence in the 2200 block of Flat Shoals Road in Decatur, Georgia. According to investigators, multiple shots were fired into a residence on Rockcliff Road SE on July 2, resulting in the deaths of the two victims. Several young boys were inside the home for…

BUFORD, GA – Gwinnett County Police have arrested a 22-year-old man after an innocent bystander was injured by gunfire outside a Buford business. Officers responded to Tavern at Mall of GA, located at 2720 Mall of Georgia Boulevard, on Aug. 9 after a shooting was reported. Investigators determined that Jalyn Watkins had been removed from the business and appeared to be intoxicated when he retrieved a handgun from a vehicle. Watkins fired one round into the ground, causing shrapnel to strike a 25-year-old man in the back. The victim had no involvement in the incident and was simply in the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) today(Aug. 12) announced that it is continuing work on its Student Assignment Project. Officials said the district is inviting families, students, staff, and community members in six school clusters to help shape how new and expanded schools will serve students beginning in 2027. “The Student Assignment Project has always been about one thing: shaping what’s next for student opportunity,” said Norman C. Sauce III, Interim Superintendent of DeKalb County School District. “We’re continuing that work in new, more collaborative ways.”  The decision to continue collaborations follows strong community opposition to close several schools in what…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Stephenson Lady Jaguars knocked off the Southwest DeKalb Panters to win a second consecutive DeKalb County Spikefest Volleyball Bracket at Miller Grove over the weekend. It was Stephenson’s third title overall, having won a year ago and in 2022. The championship was a rematch as the Court 2 runner-up Southwest DeKalb knocked off Court 1 winner and host Miller Grove (4-1) two sets to none. Stephenson cruised into the title match with a 25-13, 25-20 victory over Court 1 runner-up Cedar Grove (3-2). Stephenson picked up its second victory of the tournament against the Panthers with a…

LITHONIA, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host a Beekeeping Program for participants ages 10 and up on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. Whether you are curious about beekeeping, interested in gardening and pollinators, or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, this hands-on program offers participants a rare opportunity to step into the fascinating world of honeybees.  Participants will suit up in protective beekeeping gear and enjoy a safe, up-close look inside active hives as bees work throughout the colony. During this hands-on experience,…