A 16-year-old student at Newton High School was arrested Friday in the shooting death of a Salem High School student at a popular park during a large gathering, officials said.
The victim was identified as Justin Etienne, 18, of Conyers. The Newton sheriff’s office said the incident occurred Wednesday evening during a gathering of students from Newton and Rockdale County schools at Denny Dobbs Park as part of “Senior Skip Day.”
The suspect is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18 and reckless conduct, according to the sheriff’s office. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not name minors facing charges unless they are being charged as adults.
“Sheriff Ezell Brown and the entire Newton County Sheriff’s Office extend their deepest condolences to the family of Justin Etienne during this time,” authorities said in a Thursday news release. “Investigators worked diligently through the night, conducting numerous interviews and executing search warrants, and continue to pursue all leads to solve this case.”
Deputies were called to the park, which is across from Oak Hill Elementary School on Ga. 212, around 5 p.m. The area is about 30 miles southeast of Atlanta.
When deputies arrived, they said they found the teenager with multiple injuries from a gunshot wound. Etienne was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead soon after.
Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Caitlin Jett said investigators believe the incident was isolated between the victim and suspect. No other injuries were reported.
Officials confirmed there is no evidence tying the incident to gang involvement.
During the course of the investigation, Jett said ”key witnesses, all students, provided misleading facts regarding the events that happened during Senior Skip Day at the park.“
The 16-year-old suspect, who is being held in the Newton jail, was identified after investigators worked through those conflicting statements, executed search warrants and collected evidence, authorities said.
Jett said the investigation remains open and additional charges, including for providing false statements to law enforcement, are pending.
Credit: Newton County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Newton County Sheriff's Office
A spokesperson with Rockdale public schools said grief counselors have been at Salem High to be available to students, staff and families. Officials added that the shooting happened “after hours during a non-sanctioned activity.”
“Rockdale County Public Schools is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students yesterday,” the spokesperson said in an email. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family and friends.”
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information is asked to contact Investigator Dunston at 678-625-1589 or Lt. Bill Watterson at 678-625-1419. Anonymous tips can be submitted via anonymoustipline@newtonsheriffga.org or crimeanalyst@newtonsheriffga.org.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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