Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Lawrenceville man was sentenced to life in prison for shooting an acquaintance who refused to illegally sell him a gun, the Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office said on Thursday Sept. 10.  Jay Dante Crump, 24, was found guilty of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the September 2023 shooting death of 28-year-old Dareese Amir Ellis. Crump was sentenced to life in prison plus five years. “It is unfortunate that a life was taken,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “And now, the sentence is a stark reminder that there…

LILBURN, GA – The City of Lilburn will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a 9/11 25th Anniversary Remembrance & Memorial Dedication on Friday, Sept. 11, at Lilburn City Hall. The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:46 a.m., marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center 25 years ago. As part of the remembrance, the City will dedicate a permanent memorial featuring a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. The City obtained the steel in 2012 through the September 11th Families Association and Tribute WTC Visitor…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County is seeking volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children who have been removed from their primary caretakers. Gwinnett County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate program works to ensure every child in foster care has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. Currently, more than 300 children in Gwinnett are living in foster care. While Gwinnett CASA volunteers work to amplify these children’s voices, the ongoing shortage of advocates means that many children have to navigate the court and foster care systems without a dedicated volunteer by their side. To support children served by the CASA…

DECATUR, GA ––A man wanted in connection with the July 23 road rage murder on I-285 has been arrested, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced today, Sept. 9.  Investigators took Raul Antonio Escobar-Paz, 45, into custody without incident at a Gwinnett County residence. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held without bail, authorities said. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Process Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the DeKalb County Police Gang Unit and the U.S. Marshals made the arrest.  Esobar-Paz was wanted on multiple warrants following a vehicle collision and subsequent altercation on July 23, 2026,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Friday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.  County leaders, public safety agencies, veterans and community members are invited to come together and remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor those who answered the call to serve and reflect on the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated on that day.  District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, will deliver the keynote address and share his personal perspective from serving on active duty during the attack at the Pentagon, where he assisted in the emergency care and placement of wounded personnel. “Running toward chaos is what we…

STORY UPDATED: 9/10/2026 DEKALB COUNTY, GA.— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) invites the public to a special ceremony remembering the victims of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, at 8:46 a.m. in front of DeKalb County Police Headquarters, 1960 W. Exchange Place, Tucker. All are welcome to attend as DeKalb County Police honor those who lost their lives on that tragic September day 25 years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx0vZXhfZN4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDvgPfa5xLg A Piece of Ground Zero, Here in DeKalb Outside Police Headquarters in Tucker stands a piece of steel recovered from the World…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is celebrating the top three finalists selected for the district’s for e 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year.   The finalists are (in alphabetical order): Gena Jeselnik of Rockdale Virtual Campus; Mebane Key of Rockdale Career Academy; and Antoinette Neil of Shoal Creek Elementary School. A team headed by Superintendent Stephanie Johnson, Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett, board members Tonya Bloodworth, Pamela Brown and Akita Parmer, district cabinet members, school leaders, and staff greeted each teacher with the surprise announcement and commended the finalists. “On behalf of the Rockdale County Board of Education, I extend our sincere congratulations to this…