The Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace investigates a capturing at Denny Dobbs Park, throughout the road from Oak Hill Elementary College alongside Freeway 212 on March 19, 2025. (Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace )
NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. – A 16-year-old Newton Excessive College pupil has been arrested in reference to a lethal capturing that happened throughout a Senior Skip Day gathering at Denny Dobbs Park on March 19.
ORIGINAL STORY: 18-year-old killed at Denny Dobbs Park in Newton County recognized
What we all know:
The Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace (NCSO) recognized the suspect as Jarvis Hinton Jr. of Covington. He’s dealing with a number of expenses, together with homicide, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm through the fee of a felony, possession of a firearm by an individual beneath the age of 18, and reckless conduct. Hinton is at the moment being held on the Newton County Detention Middle.
Authorities say the capturing resulted within the loss of life of 18-year-old Justin Etienne. Investigators decided that a number of key witnesses, additionally college students, initially offered deceptive details about the occasions that unfolded on the park. Because the incident, investigators have executed search warrants, collected bodily proof, and labored by means of conflicting accounts to establish the suspect.
Justin Etienne. Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace
What they’re saying:
“This arrest demonstrates the continued dedication and dedication of our investigators,” mentioned Sheriff Ezell Brown. “The Workplace of the Sheriff is devoted to searching for justice for the sufferer, Justin Etienne, and his household. My coronary heart goes out to all his family members throughout this time.”
Sheriff Brown additionally warned towards spreading misinformation. “Offering false data throughout an investigation is a criminal offense and can result in authorized penalties,” he mentioned. “Our investigation will stay unaffected by what is claimed or shared on social media. We urge the neighborhood to keep away from spreading unfavorable or false narratives.”
The sheriff prolonged his due to the NCSO Legal Investigations Division, Particular Investigations Division, and Crime Analyst Unit for his or her work, in addition to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Workplace, its College Useful resource Officer Unit, and the Newton County College System for his or her help.
What’s subsequent:
The investigation is ongoing. In keeping with the sheriff’s workplace, the reserving report and mug shot is just not but obtainable for the suspect. At the moment, it’s unknown when the suspect will seem in courtroom.
