Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Dacula woman already in jail for attacking a man with a knife was convicted of murder and for fatally stabbing a man she was trying to buy drugs from. Carmen Marie Hunt, 52, was found guilty of malice murder and two counts of felony murder for the cold case July 2019 stabbing death of 61-year-old Ray Anthony Neal. Hunt was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. “I am thankful that our cold case team consistently worked this case to a successful conclusion,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. Neal’s sister dropped him off…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing juvenile Adah George. On Aug. 19, the 16-year-old was reported missing from her residence, located in the 1500 block of Hewatt Road in Lilburn. Before leaving, George stated she was going to Stone Mountain with a friend. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating her. During the investigation, detectives received information indicating George’s phone was last in the Stonecrest area of southeast DeKalb County. Detectives have searched the area but have not located her. It…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The third-longest football series between DeKalb County teams renews for the 40th time as the Stone Mountain Pirates and Redan Raiders meet on Thursday(Aug. 27) at Adams Stadium. Both teams enter the contest under new head coaches as Robert Winn, Jr. leads the Pirates (0-1) and Ronald Lewis is at the helm of the Raiders (0-1) program in the game set for 6 p.m. Both coaches are looking for their first victory at their new schools. Redan has won four consecutive meetings between the two squads and leads the series 25-14-0 overall. The Towers Titans (1-0) will hit…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County will host the Rockdale County Career Expo 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive S.W., Conyers, GA. The career expo is designed to connect job seekers with career opportunities, and practical resources to help them prepare for their next step in the workforce.  “Career development begins with preparation, access, and the opportunity to make meaningful connections,” said Toni Holmes, director of Human Resources for Rockdale County. “The career expo is designed to bring those elements together in one place, helping job seekers strengthen…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A 22-year-old Norcross man was sentenced to life in prison for killing a man assassination style. A Gwinnett County jury found Ernesto Garcia-Bailon, 22, guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the July 17, 2024, shooting death of 38-year-old Gerardo Reyes-Fentanes. Garcia-Bailon was sentenced to life in prison plus five years. “We hope this outcome helps Mr. Reyes-Fentanes’ family heal and find solace after his tragic loss,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. Both Reyes-Fentanes and the defendant had been together at a Shell gas station…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— A dead bat tested positive for rabies on Aug. 21 in the Terry Mill Road area and officials are advising residents in the area to pay close attention to their pets and eliminate outside food sources.   Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.  Additionally, residents are advised to contact DeKalb County Animal Control if pets display unusual behavior.  Wild animal trapping will only occur if a…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson this week unveiled the County’s Comprehensive Housing Plan, a coordinated strategy designed to address housing needs—from homelessness and housing instability to rental opportunities, attainable homeownership and the development and preservation of quality housing. The plan represents a comprehensive approach to one of the most pressing challenges facing communities throughout metro Atlanta, ensuring residents at every stage of life and income level have access to safe, stable and attainable housing. “Housing is more than a roof over someone’s head. It is the foundation upon which families build stability, children succeed, seniors age with dignity and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) invites the community to its Registered and Ready Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur.  As the November 2026 General Election approaches, this interactive, family-friendly event will offer DeKalb residents an opportunity to get election-ready in a fun, community-centered atmosphere. “We are excited to bring the community together for an engaging event designed to register eligible individuals in DeKalb County and help prepare voters for the upcoming election,” said Keisha Smith, Executive Director of DeKalb VRE. “We encourage residents…