STAFF REPORT :::

The father of a seven-year-old boy who sustained an accidental gunshot wound to the abdomen has been arrested.

According to a press release issued by the Griffin Police Department, Tremell Reives was on April 22, arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The victim, who has not been identified, was shot April 15, by an eight-year-old child.

Authorities say the seven-year-old was left with an upstairs neighbor while his father was working.

Investigators learned the children went to the downstairs apartment to retrieve a video game and were to return immediately.

During the time they were downstairs, the children climbed on a kitchen chair and retrieved the firearm from the top shelf of a closet, the release reported.

As the children were playing with the gun, an accidental discharge occurred and the seven-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen.

Officials say while being interviewed, the boy’s father claimed the firearm belonged to him, which resulted in the single criminal charge.

The young child continues to recover from his injuries.

JOSIE EVANS – SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE GRIP :::

Grammy-nominated country music artist Jo Dee Messina is headlining a Sunday, April 28, fund-raiser for Russ Cobb, a local man in the fight for his life.

Russ Cobb, co-owner of Zoomies Pet Care, has been diagnosed with an aggressive inoperable cancerous abdominal mass that has limited treatment options, with doctors saying chemotherapy and radiation have only a 2.8 percent success rate.

Russ has been given only six month life prognosis.

However, he and his wife, Jessica, have learned of a German treatment facility offering cutting edge care with a 90 percent success rate fighting this form of cancer. With travel, lodging and treatment expenses estimated at $40,000, Russ and Jessica are seeking the community’s support.

The Ride for Russ Barrel Race this Sunday is an opportunity to thank Russ and Jessica for their generous dedication of time, space and resources that has saved the lives of countless dogs and cats.

The Barrel Race and show will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the Barnesville-Lamar County Arena located at 129 Roberta Drive, Barnesville.

Come out and give life to this local family that gives so much to others.

STAFF REPORT :::

Several Griffin businesses were on Wednesday, May 1, raided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Commercial Gambling Unit.

Along with the Griffin Police Department and in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Georgia Department of Revenue, four search warrants were executed for alleged violations of state gambling laws.

According to a press release issued by the GBI, the four businesses searched included the Super Speed Zone located at 678 North Expressway, Freeway Save More located at 361 North Expressway, Triple 8 Grocery located at 401 N. 9^th St. and H & M Food Mart located at 627 W. Solomon St.

Authorities say during the course of a lengthy investigation, agents discovered businesses operating coin operated amusement machines (COAMS), where customers were allegedly receiving cash payouts for winning credits.

In Georgia, COAMS must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise.

While searching the businesses, agents reportedly collected evidence related to alleged crimes of commercial gambling, and seized monetary assets gained from that use of gaming machines.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Thomas Earl Cummings, the 70-year-old homeless veteran who died April 10 as a result of injuries he sustained when struck by a vehicle March 24, will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2019.

Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster, his staff and Georgia State Patrol Trooper Logan Pryor spent weeks attempting to locate Cummings’ next of kin, but no one who was identified came forward to claim his remains.

Cummings was ultimately cremated, but having been identified as a United States veteran who served two years in Vietnam, he will not be buried in the Pauper’s Cemetery.

Instead, Cummings will be buried with military honors in Griffin’s Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Foster said Cummings’ life and service will be memorialized by local veterans and citizens.

“We also found out he graduated from Griffin High School in 1966. Some of his classmates remember him and they’re going to be there for his service,” Foster said, adding that Cummings also played baseball.

The community is welcome to attend Cumming’s service.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Replete with a 21-gun salute, the emotionally haunting notes of “Taps” and the presentation of the United States flag on behalf of a grateful nation, Vietnam veteran Thomas Earl Cummings was on Thursday laid to rest with full military honors in Griffin’s Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

Hundreds of people attended to pay respect to a man they did not personally know, but to whom they owed a debt of gratitude.

“We’re honoring him today. We’re not honoring him because we particularly knew him, but because of what he did and what he stood for,” said the Rev. Edward Swehla, of County Line Methodist Church, who officiated the service. “He did his job faithfully. He served overseas during the War in Vietnam for nearly two years. All but five months of his two-year tour were overseas, so we respect that and honor that and appreciate what he did for his country.”

Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster, who, along with his staff, spent many hours attempting to locate Cummings next of kin, did not anticipate the community outpouring.

“I was overwhelmed. It was amazing really. I was just very overwhelmed and very, very proud to be a part of it. That says a lot. Theirs is a brotherhood you just can’t break. I was overwhelmed by the people who showed up and the respect they showed for him,” Foster said. “I thought it was an obligation on my part to do everything I could to find somebody. We have more people that don’t have next of kin than you can imagine. It’s sad. This man was just basically put out, and he was from Griffin. Thank God some people turned out and showed him respect. I didn’t have the honor of knowing him before this happened, but afterward, I did my best and we ended up having to do the best we could. He deserved that.”

Foster said veterans always will be shown honor in death.

“There’s always a place for them,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful for the future. “I know one thing. It was an eye-opener for me. I don’t get emotional too often, but this time, they got the best of me. To come to me and present me the flag for representing him. I’m going to hold onto it and hopefully, one day, someone may come forward and I’ll be able to give his flag to them. I haven’t given up on finding him. I always hold out hope.”

Swehla encouraged those present to reach out if they need help, and to lend help when able.

“For veterans having hard times, there are ways we can help if the veteran wants to be helped. Some just like to be left alone. That’s their decision and we respect that. Others are looking for a hand up, a way out, something – good news, hope – and we can give them that,” he said. “If you know a homeless veteran, get them in contact with us. We can help them in any way they desire.”

He also reminded everyone that while Cummings was often alone in life, he was not alone in his plight. “Homeless vets are all around us,” he said. “All of their lives counted. His life counted.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Numerous arrests have been made in connection to a narcotics investigation of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the Criminal Apprehension Gang Enforcement (CAGE) Unit conducted the investigation involving the alleged sell and purchase of marijuana and Schedule II narcotics through social media.

Search warrants were executed pertaining to this investigation allegedly involving activities of a gang identified as YNKE – Young Nig**as Killing Everything.

As a result, arrests were made alleging violations of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act and related crimes.

Officials say 15 known gang members were identified in the distribution of illegal narcotics with the proceeds funding gang activities in the local community.

Investigators also identified additional alleged gang members, as well as other non-gang members who allegedly purchased narcotics from YNKE using the same social media page.

Arrested were:

Darius Allen, age 25, who was charged with violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act and conspiracy to possess marijuana; Draylin Holland, age 21, who was charged with violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act and conspiracy to possess marijuana; Nova Barcus, age 22, who was charged with unlawful use of a telecommunication device for the commission of a crime; Robert Warnock, age 21, who was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana; Javarreis Reid, age 23, who was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana; Dawson Taylor, age 19, who was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana; Tavious Redding, age 20, who was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana; Reauarius Evans, age 26, who was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana; and Idarius Dennis, age 20, who was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana.

Still being sought are:

Jamarius Ponder, age 23, who will face charges of violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act, unlawful use of a telecommunication device for the commission of a crime; Michael Harris, age 24, who will face a charge of conspiracy to possess a Schedule II narcotic; Dijamiar Robinson, age 29, who will face a charge of conspiracy to possess marijuana; Tyson Parks, age 19, who will face a charge of conspiracy to possess marijuana; and Timothy Matthews, age 22, who will face a charge of conspiracy to possess marijuana.

Authorities say this investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A domestic-related call with a person threatening suicide Monday afternoon resulted in a SWAT callout for the Griffin Police Department.

Lt. Daniel Jett, the public information officer for the GPD, said that while en route to the location, officers were advised by Spalding E911 that 22-year-old Javon Goodman was threatening suicide if law enforcement attempted to arrest him for an outstanding warrant.

Jett said the standoff resulted from the suspicion the suspect was inside the residence located at 124 Tuscany Lane.

He explained that when the first officer arrived at the scene, Goodman fled inside the house and locked the door. Soon thereafter, a perimeter was established around the house.

When officers entered and searched the residence, it was discovered the suspect was not present.

According to Jett, the suspect is believed to have fled the scene soon after officers arrived, before a perimeter had been established.

Jett later said that interviews with multiple witnesses indicated Goodman had threatened suicide and was possibly under the influence of an unknown substance.

Numerous attempts to contact Goodman were made, but to no avail. The residence was ultimately searched by the SWAT Team.

“After we searched the residence and did what we had to do, he wasn’t in there, so he must have fled before we were able to set up the perimeter – in that few minutes,” he said.

Officers remained at the residence from approximately 1:30 to 7 p.m.

The suspect, 22-year-old Javon Goodman, is now being sought on two criminal warrants.

“He has warrants for violation for probation with the original charge being robbery and simple battery from today,” Jett said.

Jett said he believes today’s alleged domestic incident involved Goodman’s sister, who did not sustain an injury.

The residence was decontaminated by Griffin Fire-Rescue and released to the homeowner.

STAFF REPORT :::

Investigations conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit resulted in four arrests and the seizure of firearms and marijuana.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, these investigations resulted in the execution of two search warrants by the SCSO SWAT Team.

The first warrant was conducted at 415 N. 18^th St. Apartment E, where agents reported locating two firearms, a quarter-pound of marijuana and the seizure of $2,917.

Arrested were Dontavious Collins, age 26, George Collins, age 22, and Karmesha Green. All three suspects were charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of drug related objects.

The second search warrant was conducted at 114 Sunset Drive. This investigation began when agents learned an individual was allegedly importing THC oil from other states.

That search warrant resulted in the recovery of approximately 70 THC oil vape pens, marijuana, Xanax, Suboxone and one firearm. Also seized was one vehicle and approximately $600 in currency.

Arrested was Marcus Cox, age 26, who was charged with possession of a Schedule I narcotic, possession of a Schedule I narcotic with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule IV narcotic, possession of a schedule IV narcotic with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule III narcotic, possession of a Schedule III narcotic, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of drug related objects.

“These operations and arrests are a continuance of our efforts to make Griffin and Spalding County safer. From gang members using drug sales to fund their efforts, to registered sex offenders that are violating probation and posing a continued threat as made evident by their violations, and others who choose to violate the law, we will continue to be aggressive in enforcement,” Dix said. “If you choose to violate the law, you are not welcome here.”

STAFF REPORT :::

An investigation conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit resulted in the narcotics related arrest of two Griffin residents.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, Thomas James “Jimbo” Andrews III and his girlfriend, Shannon Middlebrooks, of 131 N. 11^th St., were arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of GHB and Ecstasy with intent to distribute and additional drug related charges.

“Apparently Jimbo Andrews picked up where his niece, Amanda Andrews, left off with her methamphetamine distribution organization after she was arrested in the Spalding County Special Operations investigation entitled ‘Say No More,’” Dix said.

Authorities say Operation Say No More specifically targeted methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution and the criminal street gang Ghost Face Gangsters.

Andrews was arrested following a traffic stop conducted when Andrews entered Spalding County at approximately 2 a.m. May 10.

Officials say a search of the vehicle was conducted resulting in the seizure of 1.3 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 ounces of GHB and a quantity of Ecstasy pills.

Andrews and Middlebrooks are being held in the Spalding County Jail pending their first court appearance. They are charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of GHB, possession of GHB with intent to distribute, possession of Ecstasy, possession of Ecstasy with intent to distribute and possession of drug related objects.

Special Operations agents are working with the Spalding County District Attorney’s Office and additional arrests are anticipated, officials say.

“We made a promise to the people of Spalding County that we would bring the fight against drugs and gangs to the street and to the criminals,” Dix said. “We will not sit back and let them be unchecked while they destroy our community. That’s exactly what we have done and will continue to do. We aren’t going away.”

STAFF REPORT :::

A Spalding County man, 40-year-old Chadwick Haldeman, has been arrested in a case of child abuse that left a seven-month-old baby critically injured and on life support.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the arrest followed a report from WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital.

“We received a call from Spalding Regional Hospital about the child and investigators responded to meet with hospital staff. The mother had brought the child to the hospital believing that it was suffering from an infection and pink eye. The child was lethargic and in obvious distress,” Dix said. “Tests on the baby showed that it was suffering from multiple breaks including left arm, left leg, left elbow, right shoulder, spinal fractures, broken ribs, multiple burns that appear to have been caused by a cigarette, and a traumatic brain injury. The child was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for treatment and surgery to relieve brain swelling.”

Dix said the hospital report led to the execution of a search warrant at the residence located at 71 Ramsey Circle and Haldeman’s arrest.

“Based on what happened to the child, a search warrant was executed at a home located at 71 Ramsey Circle, where Chadwick Haldeman was taken into custody,” he said “In an interview conducted with Haldeman by Investigators, he admitted in detail to methodically hurting the child, how and what he did, but stopped short of a motive. The confession was graphic, detailed and my Investigators describe it as sickening. What was done to this 7-month old baby was nothing short of barbaric.”

Dix went on to describe the heinous nature of this crime.

“In 32 years of being in law enforcement I have never encountered anything this evil, nor have any of my Investigators. Haldeman was cold, calculated and intentional in his actions. In his confession he attempted to minimize the injuries to the child but did not minimize his involvement,” he said. “The investigation is ongoing, and we are actively gathering information as to the child’s mother and others and their possible roles, negligence, or culpability in this case. We have questions that still need to be answered, and more criminal charges may be coming based on those answers.”

Haldeman is being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail and is facing two counts of aggravated assault with intent to murder, five counts of first degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated battery, 23 counts of possession of THC oil, 23 counts of possession of THC oil with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

The baby remains in critical condition and on life support.

ANGIE J. LEWIS :::
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE GRIP

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. I left the doctor’s office in a stupor. I couldn’t even remember where I had parked. I sat in my truck and read the report over and over and over. The first person I called was my mother then my sister.

I remember saying, “There’s some scary sh*t in this report,” and I asked that we meet at my mom’s house. They reacted with the same emotion I did: fear and disbelief.

Today, I’m a SURVIVOR.

In 2014, my mother, Janet Lewis, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My dad and I stood in the kitchen listening while she sat on her bed getting the news from her doctor. I’ll never forget the look on my dad’s face. There stood a man who has spent his life taking care of us now faced with something he can’t fix. My mom came out of the bedroom, shrugged and said “Well…”.

This may sound strange, but throughout her battle I found myself feeling grateful for the fact that I’d had breast cancer. I believe that it was going to happen to both of us at some point and that God stepped in and determined the timing.

The things we learned through my treatment a few years prior were helpful to her treatment and recovery. The nurses at the oncologist’s office would tease me as they always did. I think this put my mom at ease. She had been in that chemo room with me many times. This time, the chairs were reversed.

Today, she’s a SURVIVOR.

Today, WE are both SURVIVORS.

We walked our first Relay For Life together as mother and daughter survivors in 2015.

“I’ve got this!” was my motto during my breast cancer. Today, my mom and I have a new motto: “WE’VE got this!”

We Relay because Relay For Life not only raises money for the American Cancer Society, but Relay For Life hosts an annual event where survivors, those still in battle and loved ones can come together on common ground. Cancer can be a very isolating disease and there is a sense of camaraderie that exists at Relay For Life to remind us WE’VE GOT THIS!
Spalding County Relay For Life is from 6:30 p.m. to midnight today, Friday, May 17, at Wyomia Tyus Park. Come out to celebrate, support and encourage those who have fought and are fighting now, and to honor those gone too soon.
For additional information, please visit relayforlife.org.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Georgia Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the conviction of Michael Bowman in the 2014 shooting death of Griffin Police Department Officer Kevin Jordan.

Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker said his office is pleased with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Were were very pleased. We felt like it was a clean trial – and error-free trial. We weren’t originally pleased with the verdict of guilty, but mentally ill. We felt he was deserving of the death penalty, but now that it’s been upheld by the Supreme Court, we can put this behind us,” Coker said. “The guilty, but mentally ill verdict just means that the jurors felt he did suffer from PTSD, that although he was guilty, his mental condition played into his actions. There was never going to be a scenario where that jury was going to return a death penalty, so we withdrew it at that point.”

Although Bowman did not receive the sentence Coker felt was justified, he said he is satisfied he will remain behind bars.

“His sentence was life without parole. In Michael Bowman’s case, life without parole means that he will die in prison,” Coker said.

Chantell Mixon, Bowman’s girlfriend, was also prosecuted in connection to Jordan’s death on charges of trespassing, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. While incarcerated, she was given an additional two-year sentence for possession of a weapon or drugs by a prisoner. Even so, Mixon was released July 3, 2018, only four years, two months and three days after Officer Jordan was brutally murdered.

In the Supreme Court ruling, Justice Robert Benham stated, “…According to witnesses, things went ‘downhill’ as soon as the trio arrived;” that Bowman, along with his girlfriend, Chantell Mixon, and his brother, Tyler Taylor, “appeared to be intoxicated and were ‘obnoxious’ and ‘loud;’” and that the trio was overheard “discussing a desire to get into a fight and making derogatory comments about Officer Jordan…”

Upon the request of Waffle House employees, Jordan began to escort the trio out of the restaurant.

At that time, Mixon attempted to attack Jordan. When Jordan announced Mixon was going to jail and attempted to handcuff her, the two fell to the ground.

Bowman then fired five shots into Jordan’s back at close range, killing him.

Despite claiming he was innocent by reason of insanity, and was in a dissociative state due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a traumatic brain injury sustained during active duty combat military service, Bowman was in 2015 convicted of murdering Officer Kevin Jordan.

Bowman’s appeal alleged the state failed to prove he acted with criminal intent when he shot Jordan.

In the unanimous opinion, Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham wrote, “When Bowman, Mixon and Taylor arrived at the Waffle House, they had been drinking and seemed ‘angry,’ and the trio were overheard discussing ‘kicking [Officer Jordan’s] a**.’ When Officer Jordan attempted to arrest Mixon, Bowman drew his pistol and accurately fired five shots into Officer Jordan’s back; Bowman then began wildly firing at people and objects in the vicinity. The jury also received expert testimony that Bowman did not have PTSD at the time of the incident. Bowman’s conduct and demeanor, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident, evinced criminal intent authorizing the jury’s verdict.”

Bowman also alleged that because he presented ‘extensive expert testimony’ establishing he was in a dissociative state at the time he shot and killed Jordan, prosecutors failed to prove his actions were voluntary.

In response, Benham wrote, “While there were defense experts who testified that Bowman suffers from PTSD, has a traumatic brain injury, and was in a dissociative state at the time of the incident, the State countered this testimony at trial. Experts for both the State and the trial court testified that Bowman’s actions were not the result of PTSD or a traumatic brain injury. Thus the jury was authorized to believe the State and trial court’s experts over the defense’s experts and find that Bowman’s acts were voluntary.”

Bowman’s final argument that was addressed by the Georgia Supreme Court alleged that no rational jury could find he failed to meet the burden of proof that he was not guilty by reason of insanity.

“We disagree,” Benham succinctly stated before citing full basis of the Court’s belief the jury’s verdict was justified.

Coker, who personally knew and worked with Officer Kevin Jordan, is still deeply touched by effort put into prosecuting his killer.

“I appreciate all the support from law enforcement and how they handled that case, especially the Griffin Police Department and the GBI,” he said. “The professionalism they displayed sends chills over me to this day. Law enforcement is a brotherhood and it really showed throughout that trial.”

SUBMITTED :::

The Spalding County Correctional Institute (SCCI) has been recognized for having the highest number of inmate program completions in the state. This is the third consecutive year the SCCI has been recognized for this achievement at the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDoC) annual Counselor’s Supervisor’s Training, held this year from May 22-23 in Macon.

The GDoC Inmate Services Division presented the award to SCCI Chief Counselor Happy Johnson, noting that the goal of 600 program completions had been far surpassed.

Inmates are mandated by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to complete classes such as Motivation for Change, Problem Solving Skills, Relapse Prevention and several others.

Many inmates are also required to obtain the GED or show they are working towards its completion before being assigned a possible parole date.

In fiscal year 2019, 20 inmates successfully obtained their diplomas. It is anticipated several more will achieve that goal before July 2019.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has confirmed an employee of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office was shot Wednesday afternoon in what is being described as a domestic violence incident.

SCSO deputies, assisted by the Spalding County Fire Department, WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services and the Griffin Police Department, responded at approximately 3:38 p.m. to the residence located at 1224 Ethridge Mill Road in response to a report of a person shot.

According to Capt. Dwayne Jones, 34-year-old Amanda Moore sustained a gunshot wound to the head. She was stabilized and airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center, where she is listed in stable condition.

Moore’s 16-year-old daughter has been arrested in connection to the shooting.

“Amanda Moore is a Spalding County Detention officer. Her father is Sergeant Larry Martin who also works with us. Preliminary indications are that the shooting was a result of a domestic dispute between Moore and her 16-year-old stepdaughter. Moore, who was off duty, has been employed by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for approximately one year,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix. “This is a difficult time for everyone involved and we are asking for prayers of healing and strength for this family in the coming days.”

Amanda Moore, a Spalding County Sheriff’s Office detention officer, sustained a gunshot wound to the head Wednesday afternoon in what officials describe as a domestic dispute. Moore’s 16-year-old daughter has been arrested in connection with the the shooting. Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has now confirmed the 16-year-old female arrested in connection to the Wednesday afternoon shooting of Amanda Moore is the victim’s daughter.

The suspect was originally identified as the Moore’s step-daughter.

Officials say Moore, who works as a detention officer in the Spalding County Jail, sustained a gunshot wound to the head in an alleged domestic incident.

Moore was stabilized and subsequently airlifted to the trauma unit of Atlanta Medical Center where she remains.

Authorities say she is recovering and no other details regarding her condition are available.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Spalding County jury on Friday morning convicted Versaches Evans of aggravated battery for fracturing his infant daughter’s ribs.

The baby was only 12-weeks-old when her injuries were discovered.

Evans was charged with additional counts, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict on those charges.

For his conviction for aggravated battery, Senior Superior Court Judge Matthew Simmons sentenced Evans to 20 years with the first 12 to be served in prison.

Takiah Wilson, the baby’s biological mother, was also charged with the crimes. She was acquitted of all charges.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Marie Broder and Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin. The case was presented over three days and included testimony from law enforcement officers and medical doctors from local hospitals and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“Child abuse cases are exceptionally difficult to prosecute and difficult for juries to consider. I respect the jury’s decision in this case,” said Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker. “My heartfelt thanks goes out to law enforcement, Dr. Messner from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and my staff, especially Marie and Ashton, for their fight for this helpless victim.”

Amanda Moore, a Spalding County Sheriff’s Office detention officer, sustained a gunshot wound to the head Wednesday afternoon in what officials describe as a domestic dispute. Moore’s 16-year-old daughter has been arrested in connection with the the shooting. Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The 16-year-old Griffin girl charged with shooting her mother, Amanda Moore, in the head may be tried as an adult.

The GRIP has confirmed reports that the juvenile allegedly shot her mother while she was sleeping.

According to Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the teenager has been charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, cruelty to children in the first degree and possession of a firearm by a minor.

After being arrested and interviewed by Spalding County Sheriff’s Office investigators Wednesday, the juvenile was transported to the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Clayton County.

She appeared for an arraignment hearing Thursday and order was issued that she continue to be held in the Metro RYDC. Additionally, Dix said his office has consulted with the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office regarding the case.

“There was a hearing on her yesterday in Juvenile Court and they ordered her to be detained at Metro RYDC and she’s there now. We’ve consulted with the District Attorney’s Office and we’re going to try to have her bound over to Superior Court and tried as an adult,” Dix said.

Asked to update the victim’s condition, Dix said news is improving.

“The last I heard – I got an update last night around 9 o’clock – she’s breathing on her own. They had done some tests on her and last night during one of the tests they were running, they reduced some of her sedation and she was able to track the doctor’s hand with her eyes. There was going to be some more tests today. She is listed as stable, but she’s got a long road to recovery in front of her,” he said. “What we were updated with last night sounds really good. It’s really promising.”

Dix said he attributes Moore’s improving condition to her son and the family’s neighbors.

“Actually, the (suspect’s) little brother, when it happened, ran out of the house to the neighbor’s house and the next door neighbors…one of the neighbors, is a Spalding county firefighter and his wife is a nurse,” Dix said. “They saw the suspect walk down Ethridge Mill Road toward town, and as soon as she got clear, they went next door to the house, found Amanda lying in the bed and immediately rendered aid to her. They got on the phone with 911, gave a description of her (the suspect’s) clothing and the direction she was travelling and began working on Amanda. I feel comfortable saying that if it wasn’t for her son and the actions taken by her neighbors, Amanda wouldn’t have had a chance of survival.”

The juvenile suspect was apprehended walking down the road past the Coldwater Creek subdivision.

“She was not hiding in the bushes. She was just walking down the side of the road like anyone would.

Deputy Preston Fuller saw her and approached,” Dix said. “She didn’t say anything. She didn’t ask why she was being stopped or anything. She was just kind of stoic. When Preston told her to put her hands behind her back, she did. There was no emotion. She just walked over and was put into the back of the patrol car.”

She was not armed when taken into custody. Authorities say the weapon used in the shooting – a 9 mm handgun belonging to Moore – had been placed on a grill on the front porch.

Dix confirmed the firearm used was not Moore’s duty weapon; it was a personal weapon.

Dix said this incident took him back to a conversation held with Sgt. Larry Martin – Amanda Moore’s father who is also an SCSO employee – earlier Wednesday morning.

“We were talking about people we’ve loved and lost…and Larry said that morning when we were carrying on that conversation that you need to let the people you love know that you love them because you never know when they may be gone,” Dix said. “About 12 o’clock that day, Amanda met Larry and they ate lunch together at Tim’s, and literally three hours later, she was shot in the head.”

Dix then shared a piece of advice he gave his personnel in an email he sent following this incident.

“One of the things I put in there said, ‘Because of what we have chosen as our profession, we all need to remember that regardless of whether you are certified, sworn, or civilian, things can change rapidly and often for the worst. Make sure that your families and friends know that you love them, don’t leave anything unsaid, and don’t leave anything on the table that needs to be fixed.”

This still frame was taken from a video posted online in which a Lamar County man identified as James Crews states his intention to meet a 14-year-old boy to “play” and possibly have sex.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Lamar County man seen in a viral video filmed in the Griffin Wal-Mart, where he allegedly planned to meet “John,” who was believed to be a 14-year-old boy, is being held in the Lamar County Jail.

According to Lamar County Sheriff Brad White, the man identified as James Crews turned himself in to the LCSO Monday and is being held while under investigation.

“He came to the Sheriff’s Office. We do have him detained. Right now, we’re just trying to put it together,” White said. “We have him on an investigative hold. We’re waiting to interview the man who took the video and we’re working to obtain warrants to search his phone and computer.”

“Like everyone else, it definitely shocked the conscience a little bit,” White said when asked to describe his response to the video shared on numerous social media platforms. “It was certainly disturbing, and you know, it could have turned violent in the middle of a very populated store. Law enforcement certainly wasn’t aware of it, that’s for certain.”

The video shots Crews, who stated he is 35-years-old, being confronted by a man who identifies himself as John Savior. Savior goes on to say he is affiliated with an organization named OPHIS, which he described as an online watchdog group.

The GRIP has attempted to reach Savior since Saturday, but has been unable to do so.
In the now-viral video, Crews is confronted in the hair dye aisle of the local Wal-Mart.

Crews initially denied any intention of wrongdoing.

“All I was doing was meeting him…John… to hang out,” he said, adding the pair was planning to “go out and get something to eat and hang out.”

Crews acknowledged “John” had told him he was 14-years-old.

Asked if it is appropriate for a 35-year-old man to socialize with a boy that age, Crews replied, “Well, I don’t know. I still have friends that I hang out with that are that age, but I don’t do nothing with them.”

Savior then asked Crews to be truthful about the nature of his meeting with “John.”

“I’m being straightforward. I’m not gonna do nothing that I know I can get in trouble and go to jail for,” Crews replied.

Savior then responded by explaining the he was the person with whom Crews had been communicating online.

“I know what you were gonna do with John. I know exactly what you were planning on doing with John,” Savior said. “I read all of the transcripts. I was actually the person you were communicating with. I was operating the decoy, so I know exactly the type of conversation you were having with John. I just want you to be straightforward with me. You’ve got one more opportunity if you would like to be before I start going through the chat box. Now, what were you going to do with John tonight?”

At that point, Crews stated, “We were gonna go hang out and if he wanted to play, we were gonna play.”

Savior responded, “And by play, you mean…”

“If he wanted to literally have sex or anything, we would have had sex,” Crews said.

Savior asked if Crews if it is acceptable for a man his age to have sex with a 14-year-old child, and Crews said, “If he consents to it.”

Savior then asked, “Do you think a child is capable of consent?”

Crews responded, “Yeah, they have to make up their own decisions.”

In addition to obtaining search warrants for Crews phone and computer, LCSO investigators are also attempting to interview the man identified as Savior.

White said he does not know if Savior is local to the Griffin-Spalding County area.

When asked if he views this as vigilantism, White said, “I would consider this trying to do the wrong way for the right reasons.”

He then elaborated, “What they need to do is contact law enforcement when something like this happens, not take things into their own hands. I think if law enforcement – Sheriff Dix – had been contacted when this video was made, prior to contacting this guy, there could have been resolution.”

Despite his willingness to speak on camera with Savior, Crews has been less forthcoming with investigators.

“We’ve attempted to interview him, but he’s asked for an attorney. It would be great if he would contact an attorney so we can interview him again,” White said, later adding that this is a complex case. “I think it could reach the level of enticing a child for indecent purposes, but there’s still a lot we have to go through. We’re still at the very beginning stages of this. We’re weighing very heavily on our District Attorney’s Office in this, too.”

Although this video was allegedly filmed in the Griffin Wal-Mart, Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix said Lamar County authorities are taking the lead in this investigation, and his office will assist as needed.

“We are working on it together, yes. At this point, Lamar County is handling it since it appears the incident originated in Lamar County. I spoke to Sheriff White around lunch time and if there’s anything that develops further in Spalding County, his folks will contact me and we’ll move forward from there,” Dix said.

While Crews has not been charged with a crime, he can be held for investigative purposes for up to 48 hours.

This still frame was taken from a video posted online in which a Lamar County man identified as James Crews states his intention to meet a 14-year-old boy to “play” and possibly have sex.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

James Crews, the Lamar County man at the center of a viral video in which he allegedly acknowledged his intent to have sex with a 14-year-old boy, has been arrested.

Crews, who has since Monday been in the custody of the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, has been charged in connection with actions depicted in that viral video.

“Yes, we have charged him with enticing a child. He is being held on a $10,000 bond set by Magistrate Court,” said Lamar County Sheriff Brad White. “These are the charges pertaining strictly to the video you saw.”

Investigators are in the process of gathering and reviewing evidence obtained in search warrants obtained for Crews electronics.

“I know they got his cell phone and computer and that’s what’s in the process of being searched now,” White said.

A second man heard, but not seen, in the aforementioned video met Wednesday afternoon with LCSO investigators.

“They were interviewing him today when I left. At 3 o’clock today, they were interviewing him,” White reported.

Crews, who requested an attorney Monday, has not been interviewed.

He remains in the Lamar County Jail.

White also addressed questions some have raised regarding how Crews came to be in custody.

“I believe there was a bit of confusion,” he said. “He (Crews) did drive to the Sheriff’s Office. They (investigators) did go to his residence and make contact with him, and he followed them and drove to the Sheriff’s Office.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Mary Katherine Higdon, the woman charged with murder in the Aug. 1, 2018, shooting death of Steven Andrew Freeman, her boyfriend, has been acquitted of all charges.

Higdon, who was facing a possible sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
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Prior to standing trial, Higdon had been presented with a plea bargain.

“The case was continued from the prior calendar. Prior to that trial calendar, she was offered a plea of life with the possibility of parole,” said Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker.

Higdon declined to accept the state’s plea bargain.

During the more than week-long trial, her defense team presented an argument alleging she acted in self defense, claiming she suffered from Battered Woman Syndrome.

When asked if Higdon presented evidence of having been battered, Coker said, “She did. She presented her own testimony, plus they had an expert they called who testified she exhibited some of the signs of Battered Woman Syndrome, but we also presented an expert that said she didn’t.”

There were no law enforcement reports documenting a history of domestic violence, nor were any medical records presented as evidence.

According to the initial law enforcement incident report, Higdon made a differing statement to responding officers, claiming the shooting was unintentional.

“I had contact with Mary Katherine Higdon, who was with Patrolman Johnson in the back bedroom of the residence, and she stated that her gun ‘went off’ when she was handing it to her boyfriend, Steven Freeman,” reported Griffin Police Department Master Patrol Officer Brian Earls. He later stated, “Higdon repeated over and over that ‘she didn’t understand what happened and that she never kept a round in the chamber.’”
Coker said he believes his office presented a strong case against Higdon.

“I thought my assistants and law enforcement presented a strong case – evidentiary,” he said. “Any time you face a battered wife defense, it’s never easy because there isn’t an objective standard. It’s all subjective. I thought we presented a very strong case.”

Although he disagrees with the verdict, Coker said he respects the outcome of the case.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of Steven Freeman. While I am certainly disappointed in the outcome of the case, as an officer of the court, I must respect the verdict,” he said.

Higdon had been incarcerated in the Spalding County Jail since the night of the shooting.