CRIME & SAFETY
Athens grand jury indicts man accused of killing nursing student on UGA campus
ATHENS, Ga. (WSAV) — An Athens grand jury has indicted Jose Ibarra, the man accused of murdering nursing student Laken Riley in February, on 10 criminal charges including malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstruction, tampering with evidence and being a “peeping Tom,” according to […]
ACCPD Blotter: Thousands of dollars worth of property stolen from store and more
Thousands of dollars worth of property stolen from store. Thousands of dollars worth of items were reported stolen from Athens Gas and Welding Supply on May 1, according to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department report. The burglary had occurred overnight. The owner told officers the fence had been cut and...
From the archives: At the time of Tara Baker's death, police believed she did not know killer
Editor's Note: This story was originally published in the print edition of the Athens Banner-Herald on January 20, 2001, the day after Tara Baker's body was found. It has been republished online for our readers due to the update in the case. Athens-Clarke police said Saturday they do not believe...
Update: Walton County man pleads guilty to murdering his younger brother
Update: Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney Randy McGinley reported that on Friday morning, May 10, 2024, James Lewis McDougal pleaded guilty to Malice Murder and Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony for the murder of his brother, Henry Thomas McDougal. Victim: James Lewis McDougal. “The Defendant was...
UGA Athletic Association employee killed in I-20 wreck near Thomson
A University of Georgia Athletic Association employee was killed Thursday in a wreck along I-20 near Thomson. McDuffie County Coroner Paul Johnson said Friday that the crash claimed the life of 53-year-old Mark Delafchell, who was traveling west when he crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler truck. Delafchell was pulling a trailer loaded with a car, he said. The crash was reported at 12:19 p.m.
Oconee Blotter: Man on lawn mower charged with DUI, slow speed
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:. TRUCK ENTERED: On April 24, Deputy Robert Perrin was dispatched to a home on Calls Creek Circle, Watkinsville, where a man reported someone entered his pickup and stole a safe with $3,000 cash and an engagement wedding set valued at $7,000.
Report on Athens-Clarke police shooting says suspect fired first, lead cops on long car chase
A case report released Thursday on an Athens-Clarke police shooting under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shows the suspect fired his gun first. After the suspect, Walter McGuire, 25, of Linda Street, Colbert, tried to flee in an SUV and fired his pistol, officer Tyrone Brooks-Craig “returned fire, striking the vehicle at least twice,” according to the report.
MPD Reports: Person shot; juvenile threatens shooting another with BB gun; juveniles shoot home with gel pellets
The City of Monroe Police Department reported the following incidents for the period April 25 – May 1, 2024. Due to the length, this report has been split into five parts. This is the fourth part. Please note an arrest or charge does not constitute a conviction. Suspicious Person/Arrest...
MPD Reports: Juveniles shooting nerf guns; neighbors disputing over yard work and slew of domestic disputes
38D – S. Hammon Dr. – In reference to the complainant hitting a bag while weed-eating that contained a white powdery substance. The substance appeared to be sugar and was tested with no results. Animal Complaint – W. Spring St.; Walmart – In reference to a dog locked...
Athens elections shape up as referendum on crime after Laken Riley slaying
ATHENS — In the days following Laken Riley’s killing in late February, political tension engulfed this city. Angry demonstrators shouted down Mayor Kelly Girtz at a press conference. Gov. Brian Kemp and State Rep. Houston Gaines criticized local District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez during a visit to the University of Georgia campus. More than a hundred people attended a “Make Athens Safe Again” rally outside city hall.
From the archives: Tara Baker remembered as 'one of the kindest people'
Editor's Note: This story was originally published in the print edition of the Athens Banner-Herald on January 20, 2001, the day after Tara Baker's body was found. It has been republished online for our readers due to the update in the case. Friends and associates of Tara Baker expressed shock...
Update: Transformer fire at Monroe Power Plant contained but likely an ongoing morning incident
MONROE, GA (May 8, 2024) – Walton County Fire Rescue and Monroe Fire Department are on the scene of a large transformer fire at the Mackinaw Monroe Power Plant on Cherry Hill Road in the City of Monroe. “This is at the natural gas power generation plant. The fire...
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