Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A shooter was convicted on murder charges on Friday, Sept. 20, for using a semi-automatic style gun to kill a 64-year-old woman in retaliation against her 17-year-old grandson. A Gwinnett County jury found Tyree Jaron Simmons, 27, guilty of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, first-degree criminal damage to property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the Feb.22, 2022, death of  Christine Walker. Simmons will be sentenced at a later date but faces life in prison. According to the investigation, Simmons fired the weapon into a Snellville hotel room, striking Walker…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a man and charged him with murder after responding to a person shot call in the 3000 block of Barcelona Way on Thursday night. The suspect, Deshaun Khalil Elder, was taken into custody for the death of a 23-year-old man. The victim, who was not identified by authorities, was taken to the hospital, where he later died from multiple gunshot wounds, deputies said. The shooting took place around 8:25 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19.According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, detectives said they believe there was a verbal altercation over…

ATLANTA – MARTA will host an unveiling ceremony for a mosaic art installation by local artist Michael Jones at Airport Station on Tuesday, Sept. 24, as part of the station’s ongoing rehabilitation. The mosaic artwork is inspired by the Atlanta skyline and blends vibrant colors and intricate patterns to capture the city’s energy, growth, and architectural beauty. Featuring urban elements, the piece reflects Atlanta’s cultural and historical significance, offering travelers at the world’s busiest airport a striking visual enhancement to the newly renovated station.   The event will celebrate the new artwork and the broader rehabilitation efforts at Airport Station, which include new terrazzo flooring, platform…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Weather permitting, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) construction partners will temporarily close interstate lanes at the locations below for the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. The project will reconstruct the interstate system-to-system ramps at the I-285/I-20 East Interchange and add a combination of collector-distributor, or connecting lanes, and auxiliary lanes along I-20 east of the interchange and I-285 north of the interchange. Where/When: I-20 from Wesley Chapel Road (MM 69.5) to Panola Road (MM 71.3) Monday, Sept. 23, through Friday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Daily) Single, right-lane and shoulder closure on I-20 eastbound I-20 from Panola…

ATLANTA, GA –Averil Johnson, 45, of Lawrenceville, has been indicted in DeKalb County on 10 counts of felony Medicaid Fraud and two counts of felony Identity Fraud, Attorney General Chris Carr’s Office announced. Johnson, owner of National Healthcare Center, LLC, is alleged to have submitted fraudulent claims for genetic testing services his company did not provide and to have then retained payments for those claims. “Georgia’s Medicaid Program is meant to care for our most vulnerable, and those who seek to abuse it will be held accountable for their actions,” said Carr. “We’re committed to putting a stop to Medicaid…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson announces extended hours at the property tax office located at 4380 Memorial Drive Sept. 23–30 until 6 p.m. “Each year ,we see an influx of walk-in customers as the payment deadline approaches. Many are unaware of alternative payment systems we have in place to save time and resources,” said Johnson. “I highly encourage taxpayers to review their options and consider online payment, pay-by-phone and secure drop box options to avoid long lines and wait times.” Acceptable forms of payment include credit or debit card, check, money order, or e-check. There is…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will reopen long-term parking decks at Lenox, Lindbergh Center, Dunwoody, and Medical Center Stations in October after the installation of new parking payment systems. The payment system upgrades include new entry and exit gates, ticket dispensers, payment machines, and license plate recognition cameras, offering a more streamlined and secure process for customers. Beginning Oct. 7,  drivers will take a ticket as they enter the long-term parking decks at Lenox, Lindbergh Center, Dunwoody, or Medical Center rail stations. Customers should take that ticket with them and upon their return, use it to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Christopher Devonta Griggs, 29, of Stone Mountain, has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of 56-year-old Marita Harrell, a local pastor who was trying to counsel Griggs. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against Griggs, who attempted to cover up the crime by setting her van on fire and partially burning her body. Jurors found Griggs guilty on Friday, Sept. 13, on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony, Concealing the Death of Another,…