Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB County, GA— A Decatur man has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the “ghost gun” murder of Rashad Walker, 28, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Sept. 2.  A jury found Azavier Lilly, 27, guilty on Aug. 28 of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. Investigators said that Lilly fire multiple shots, killing Walker. DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge Shondeana C. Morris, who presided over the trial, sentenced Lilly to Life in Prison…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Springfield Baptist Church will host its September Drive-Thru Food Pantry in Conyers on Saturday, Sept. 26.  Free groceries will be provided to individuals and families in need throughout the community. Springfield organizers said the outreach is open to all, and no registration is required.  Event Details: Springfield Baptist Church, Conyers 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers Saturday, Sept. 26  9 a.m.– 12 noon 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—An Atlanta woman who used a rental car to intentionally hit and run over and kill a woman after arguing with the victim’s daughter has received a life sentence for the incident, the DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston announced. Talisha Moore-Real, 35, was sentenced on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to Life with the possibility of Parole plus 10 years. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie, who presided over the trial, handed down the sentence.  A jury found Moore-Real guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, three counts of Aggravated Assault, and Cruelty to Children in the First Degree in…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus is condemning the U.S. Navy’s proposal to rename a future aircraft carrier for President Trump that was designated to honor a black World War II hero.   In 2020, the Navy named the future USS Doris “Dorie” Miller to honor a Black World War II hero and Navy cook who helped carry wounded sailors to safety during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller also then shot down one plane, despite not having any prior  gunnery training, according to Navy records. Miller received the Navy Cross for his bravery in 1942 and was killed in action in 1943 when…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Online and kiosk services are available daily, including weekends and holidays when the office is closed. “Our central office on Memorial Drive is busier than usual the week before and the week after a holiday. To avoid delays, I encourage taxpayers to consider kiosk and online services,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “For walk-in service, appointments can be made ahead of time, or join the virtual waitlist for same-day service for any of the three…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Jennifer Fehribach as the County Director of Transit. Fehribach brings more than 16 years of executive leadership and experience in public transit, long-range planning, capital investment, federal funding strategy, multimodal operations, and transportation innovation. As Director of Transit, Fehribach will lead the development and execution of DeKalb County’s long-range transit strategy. She will serve as a principal advisor to CEO Cochran-Johnson, the Board of Commissioners and executive leadership on transit policy, system performance, capital investment and regional mobility. “Transit is more than moving people from one place to another. It connects…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Tuesday, Sept. 8, with the restart of the West College Avenue Water Main Replacement Project.  Prior to the World Cup Moratorium, crews replaced  approximately 5,500 linear feet of ductile iron water pipe between South Candler Street and East College Avenue. Crews will replace approximately 1,240 linear feet of ductile iron water pipe between Lakeshore Drive and Emeril Drive.  This water improvement project is expected to last approximately four months (September 2026 to December 2026), barring any weather delays.  Construction hours will be from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, garbage, recyclable materials, and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will run one day late as follows: Monday, Sept. 7 – Labor Day observed. No solid waste collection. Tuesday, Sept. 8– Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Sept. 7, will be serviced on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Sept. 8, will be serviced on Wednesday, Sept.9. Thursday, Sept. 10 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Sept. 9, will be serviced on Thursday, Sept. 10. Friday, Sept. 11 – Residential…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Loganville man will serve a life sentence for sexually assaulting a teen. A jury found Johnel Elisse Welch, 43, guilty of aggravated sexual battery for the 2021 incident involving a 17-year-old. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years, with the possibility of parole. “We will always hold those who commit crimes like these accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. According to the investigation,  on Dec. 27, 2021, the defendant had unwelcomed sexual intercourse with the teen. In court, the teen testified that the defendant threw up after…