Author: On Common Ground News

Tributes are pouring in for the late DeKalb County Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr., who is being remembered for his many contributions as a judge and as a former Georgia state senator. Judge Ramsey passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the age of 66. Several close to Ramsey said that he was battling cancer. News of Judge Ramsey’s passing began flooding social media on Thursday, Sept. 25, as community leaders and friends expressed condolences to his wife, Doris, and the Ramsey family. Many reflected on the profound impact he made on their lives as a mentor, colleague, friend and…

DECATUR, GA—A 49-year-old Valdosta man was sentenced to life in prison in the deadly shooting that occurred inside a restaurant at The Gallery at South DeKalb mall. Three people were injured and one person was killed during the 2022 incident.   DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston on Friday, Sept. 26, announced the conviction by jury trial and sentencing of James Elderidge Scott, who was found guilty of Malice Murder; two counts of Felony Murder; Aggravated Assault and other charges in connection with the shooting on June 10, 2022.  DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams, who presided over the trial,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Police detectives have charged a Stone Mountain woman with the murder of her murder. Brittany Morris, 33, has been charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Knife during Commission of a Felony in connection with the death of her mother, Janet Morris, 62.  Police said the domestic-related incident took place on Thursday, Sept. 25, around 4:30 p.m. Officers from the South Precinct responded to a “person down” call in the 3000 block of Deshong Drive in unincorporated Stone Mountain.  When officers arrived at the residence, they found an adult female—the mother—deceased with what…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson today announced the launch of Digital Shield, an $18.9 million countywide initiative that will deploy Flock Safety technology to strengthen public safety and fight crime across DeKalb. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the investment, positioning DeKalb as a metro Atlanta leader in technology-driven crime prevention. “Digital Shield is about protecting every corner of DeKalb,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “This unprecedented investment gives our police department the tools to prevent crime, solve cases faster, and give residents the peace of mind they deserve. This is a defining moment for how we reimagine…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Norcross mother has pled guilty to murder in connection with the beating death of her 8-year-old daughter. Brittany Nicole Hall, 31, pled guilty to felony murder, 11 counts of cruelty to children, concealing the death of another and making false statements for the 2021 death of Amari Hall. Brittany Hall was sentenced to life in prison, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office said on Wednesday, Sept. 24.  Hall and her girlfriend, Celeste Owens, reported Amari Hall missing on Nov. 19, 2021. The couple, who lived with Amari Hall and her two younger siblings in a Norcross…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– On Satursday, Sept. 27, DeKalb Public Health will host a drive-thru vaccination event at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2538 Panola Rd., City of Stonecrest. Pre-registration is not required. Three variations of flu shot will be available – Fluarix, for children 6 months and older; Flublok for individuals 9 years and older; immunocompromised individuals, or those who would like a vaccine that may give a higher level of protection; and Fluzone High-Dose for ages 65 years and older, providing a higher level of protection for this age group. In addition to flu shots, FluMist,…

DECATUR, GA – To accommodate walk-in customers paying property taxes at the tax commissioner’s office located at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur, extended hours are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Sept. 30. Taxpayers will use the UGA Extension entrance at the front of the building until Sept. 30. Customers with disabilities may still use the main entrance off Northern Avenue. “Our central property tax office will be busy the week before the September 30 deadline for tax payments. I encourage owners who prefer to make a payment in person to consider visiting our satellite office locations at…