Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the death of Olaolukitan Adon Abel, the suspected gunman who was facing multiple felony charges in connection with the fatal shooting spree that claimed the lives of two women and a homeless man in separate early morning attacks on April 13 in DeKalb County..   DeKalb County Jail officials said  that Abel was found unresponsive in his cell on today, April 21, at approximately 6:48 p.m. Detention staff immediately notified medical personnel, and lifesaving measures were initiated. Despite those efforts, Abel was pronounced deceased at the jail at 7:17 p.m., officials stated in…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County mourns the loss of Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker, who passed away Saturday, April 18, following a courageous battle with cancer. Fluker remained on the bench even as she fought cancer, and was admired for her remarkable strength by peers and others who knew her. Judge Fluker, elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, made history as the first African American Superior Court Judge in the county. Throughout her distinguished legal career, she was known for her fairness, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice. Before taking the bench, Judge Fluker served in multiple prosecutorial roles,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Kevin Grier, 35, will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the death of Ian Hagerty,17, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today, April 20.   Greer was convicted by jury trial in the case accused of a shooting and killing the teen during a candlelight vigil. Grier was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon or First Offender Probationer, in connection with Hagerty’s death.  DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie, who…

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Donald Sellers, Sr., who has coached track for more than two decades at Stephenson High School, has been inducted into Georgia’s 2026 Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sellers, who has served as track coach since 2000,  has compiled an extensive resume that includes two state championships (2002, 2021), 10 DeKalb County track titles and a pair of Coach of the Year honors (2002, 2021). Those kinds of accomplishments catch the attention of track fans and coaches and led to his being elected to the Hall of Fame. “A…

DECATUR, GA —DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding residents of key dates to put on their radar and important information to know before heading to vote in the May 19 Primary Election.  Key Election Dates to Know DeKalb VRE encourages voters to make a plan now by noting the following important dates: Early (Advance in-Person) Voting Period: April 27 – May 15 (Visit www.DeKalbVotes.comfor locations) Election Day: May 19 (Polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Absentee Voting Information Registered voters may also choose to vote by absentee ballot. Request an Absentee Ballot: Now Deadline to Request an…

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council on Monday, April 20, approved two resolutions addressing federal immigration activities within the City.  The first declares the Council’s opposition to the acquisition, renovation, expansion and operation of warehouses or other facilities with the City for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities (26-R-3361).  The second establishes procedures for the City and Atlanta Police Department regarding documentation, accountability, and public transparency in connection with federal immigration enforcement activities. (26-R-3363). Other items approved by Council include: An ordinance declaring a certain area of Downtown Atlanta as a temporary “public entertainment district” during FIFA World Cup 26, June 11…

DECATUR, GA– Constituents are invited to learn about key legislation that passed during the 2026 Legislative Session at an upcoming town this month.  DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Secretary Long Tran (D-Dunwoody), along with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation, will host the post-session town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church ATL, 1561 McClendon Ave. N.E., Decatur. 

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—The Lawrence Hotel, the first upscale, boutique, full-service hotel in downtown Lawrenceville, will host three career fairs during the month of May.  Set to officially open its doors in Summer 2026, the Hilton Tapestry property invites hospitality professionals, and those who wish to enter the hospitality field to apply at the upcoming job fairs. “We’re looking for team members and staff who truly embody the core values and elements that will make a stay at The Lawrence distinguishable from that of any other,” said Chase Wynn, General Manager of The Lawrence. “It’s not just about being able to do the…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Join the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Community Affairs Section for a free Child Passenger Car Seat Checkup event at Target, 875 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Lawrenceville, GA. The event will take place on Thursday, April 23, 4 to 8 p.m. The event is a free, educational session where certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) help caregivers ensure their car seats are correctly installed and appropriate for their child’s age, height, and weight. Child safety is a top priority for Gwinnett County Police, and proper installation of car seats can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. No appointment is necessary.…