the News June 6th, 2015 Volume 7, Issue 8

the NEWS June 6 - 12, 2015

Volume 7, Issue 8

$1

Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

rockdalenews.com

Husband accused of kidnapping wife in Rockdale County, PAGE 15 Leaky landfill puts more people on county water lines

By John Ruch

jruch@rockdalenews.com

Seven Haynes Ridge Road properties are hooking up to county water service as a precaution against the leaky Miller Bottom Road landfill in a deal approved by Conyers City Council June 3.

Built in the 1970s and closed in 1993, the old city landfill is now leaking some contaminants, according to Conyers officials. Regular monitoring has never found the contaminants going beyond the landfill’s property line, but many area residents who used private wells have switched to the county water system as a precaution. That optional move is funded in a 70-30 split between the county and city.

Conyers Public Works Director Brad Sutton told the council a year ago that residents on Haynes Ridge Road - the last local road without public water hook-ups - likely would be offered the service. That has now happened, and the seven property-owners to say yes will cost the county and city a total of $200,000 for the pipework and the capping of their wells.

Sutton told the News that there are no plans to decontaminate the landfill site, saying it will “clean itself up” by leaching out pollutants in small quantities over time. Sutton previously told the council that the site is regularly tested for contaminants by an engineering firm.

In other council business: — The council held a hearing on its proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget, with a general fund of roughly $14.1 million. No one took the opportunity to speak or ask questions. The budget is up for approval at the June 17 council meeting. A full copy of the budget is available at City Hall, 1184 Scott St.

See WATER on PAGE 11

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HEALING FROM TRAGEDY Rockdale’s healing love shines through during a dark time after Jeffrey Pitts’ shooting rampage tore a hole in the heart of the Magnet community.

By Michelle Kim, Martin Rand, III, Robert Porter, Shakeem Holloway SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 8

2 • Saturday, June 6, 2015

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Meeting Place

BOC VOTING SESSION, Tues., June 9, 10 a.m., 901 Main St.

The News

Rockdale-Conyers business friendly, says Ga. Power

By John Ruch

jruch@rockdalenews.com

Conyers and Rockdale government shows the business-friendly quick response time that is key to bringing good jobs here, a Georgia Power official told the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council board on June 4.

Lauren Lambiase, a regional community development manager for Georgia Power, gave CREDC a presentation on the utility’s economic development program. She explained that Georgia Power has provided communities with such assistance since the 1920s-before the state had its own economic development agency-because ultimately expansion is good business.

“What’s good for companies and communities is good for us,” she said.

Lambiase is familiar with Rockdale. Until recently, she worked in economic development at the state and was involved in the recent Acuity Brands expansion here. She said the main attributes of a community good at attracting and retaining business is a “can-do attitude,” “creative and flexible incentives,” and especially “responsiveness.”

“I don’t see that as a problem here,” Liambiase said, describing local government as moving quickly on business proposals.

CREDC Executive Director Marty Jones agreed, saying his organization and local government are “reacting at the speed of business.”

Lambiase also provide a thumbnail sketch of Rockdale’s current employment stats. The median salary here is $52,000, above metro ATL average. There are about 32,000 local jobs.

The top five employment sectors are: public schools; full-service restaurants; HV/ AC and refrigeration; limited-service restaurants; and local government. The top five occupation categories are: retail sales; food prep; cashiers; customer service reps; and team assemblers.

CREDC often works with Georgia Power on development proposals, and the utility serves as one of the agencies that can help direct corporations to town.

In other CREDC business, new board member Richard Oden, the chairman and CEO of the county commission, pushed for more “documentation, transparency and accountability” from CREDC. Oden has expressed similar concerns about CREDC, and occasional clashed with Jones and other officials about it, for over a year.

Oden said he particularly wants more detailed staff job descriptions and a more active and director board role in setting CREDC’s goals and strategy. Those topics will be discussed in-depth at the board’s July meeting. Meanwhile, an executive committee of the board will discuss the strategy element in private at Oden’s request. Oden also asked about the possibility of allowing board members to appoint proxies to vote in their absence, and got a negative reaction.

Honored for service The Rockdale Rotary Club honored former Commissioner JaNice Van Ness for her years of service to the community with the presentation of a Rockdale County letterman’s jacket on Wednesday, June 3. Van Ness joins a team of former elected officials who have served the community, including former Rockdale County Tax Commissioner Dan Ray, pictured wearing his own letterman’s jacket, which was given to him by the community when he left office. Others in the photo are Alain Bouzoubaa, charter member and president Rockdale Rotary Club, and David Cooper, former president of the Rockale Rotary Club. (submitted photo)

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The News

Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 3

Four Conyers men arrested in pandering operation

By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

The Conyers Police Department, in a joint operation with the Covington Police Department, arrested 20 males for pandering and other charges throughout a five day period.

The Covington Police Department reached out to Conyers and on May 29, Conyers investigators assisted Covington with a sting at one of their local motels. Eight arrests were made on May 29, before 12 more were arrested Tuesday, June 2.

Four Conyers residents were arrested in the sting. Tyler Scott Wheeler, 26 of Kathy Lane, was charged with pandering, possession of marijuana and failure to appear, Marlon Wayne Clarke, 48 of Woodchuck Way was charged with pandering and possession of marijuana and Andre Villanueva, 29 of Maples Street and Jason Thomas Reed, 36 of Heatherstone Hollow were charged with pandering.

The purpose of the joint operation

was to identify and arrest individuals involved in the business of soliciting for sex. The arrests will also go to addressing violent crimes that can be associated with prostitution.

“Not only are female prostitutes being targeted, assaulted and robbed,” Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson said, “the johns intending on meeting for sex can be met with an armed man and robbed of their cash or worse.”

The Conyers Police had several successful operations last year which contributed to the overall decrease in crime not only around local hotels but the city as a whole in 2014, according to officials. The phrase “Conyers is hot” proved a valuable deterrent following media coverage of the multiple arrests generated from the operations.

Covington residents Alfonza Jackson, 47, Antwon Percell Garrett, 42, Michael Lamont Slaughter, 31, Byron Freeman, 22 and Daryl Sylvester Thomas, 35 were all charged with pandering.

Business

Car clutch manufacturer expands in Conyers-Rockdale

By John Ruch

jruch@rockdalenews.com

The Conyers Police Department, in a joint operation with the Covington Police Department, arrested 20 males for pandering and other charges throughout a five day period.

The Covington Police Department reached out to Conyers and on May 29, Conyers investigators assisted Covington with a sting at one of their local motels. Eight arrests were made on May 29, before 12 more were arrested Tuesday, June 2.

Four Conyers residents were arrested in the sting. Tyler Scott Wheeler, 26 of Kathy Lane, was charged with pandering, possession of marijuana and failure to appear, Marlon Wayne Clarke, 48 of Woodchuck Way was charged with pandering and possession of marijuana and Andre Villanueva, 29 of Maples Street and Jason Thomas Reed, 36 of

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The purpose of the joint operation was to identify and arrest individuals involved in the business of soliciting for sex. The arrests will also go to addressing violent crimes that

can be associated with prostitution.

“Not only are female prostitutes being targeted, assaulted and robbed,” Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson said, “the

See CLUTCH on PAGE 11

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#BragOnDad It’s time to Brag on Dad! Father’s Day is around the corner and you can win a prize for your dad by sending us a Tweet, with #BragOnDad, to @rockdalenews about why your father is the best. Or email us at news@ rockdalenews. com. Deadline June 15.

The News

Freedom Funds help three go to college Three local Rockdale students and their families were aided in their pursuit of higher education with $1000 scholarships from the Rockdale County NAACP chapter, presented at the June 1 meeting.

Shamiah Beaman, of Salem High’s Class of 2015, is attending Georgia Perimeter College to study criminal justice and to go into law or cosmetology as a career field.

She is oldest of nine siblings, quite a few who were adopted, and was involved with the Interact Club, a volunteer service organization. The scholarship is a definite help to her mother, Natasha Beaman. “I was really really excited for her,” said Natasha. “She’s worked really hard.”

Jamaya Booker, of Heritage High’s Class of 2015, is attending Spelman College with a goal of perhaps going into nursing. She was also a winner in the Rotary Club Laws of Life essay contest, and was

active in cheerleading and the color guard. “I was really excited because I need a lot of scholarships” to attend Spelman, she said.

Jaire Duncan, of Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology’s Class of 2015, is attending College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., with the goal of going on to Columbia Universi-

ty, to study computer science. His mother, Heather Duncan, said they initially learned of the scholarship from Carol Wilson at Heritage High and were happy when they heard Jaire had won.

Pictured, left to right: Jamaya Booker of HHS, Rockdale NAACP Vice Presdient Thomas Brantley Jr., Shamiiah Breaman of SHS, Rock-

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dale NAACP President Gary Washington, Jaire Duncan of RMSST, Rockdale NAACP Assist. Secretary Allene Eatman, chair of the Freedom Fund Scholarship Committee, Rockdale NAACP Treasurer Gladys Brown. Not pictured: Tommy Plummer, chair of the Rockdale NAACP Education Committee. (photo by Michelle Kim)

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Opinion the

NEWS

PUBLISHER T. Pat Cavanaugh

EDITOR Michelle Kim

pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com

mkim@rockdalenews.com

DESIGN EDITOR Sabastian Wee

SALES DIRECTOR Annette Godwin

swee@rockdalenews.com

agodwin@rockdalenews.com

CIRCULATION DIR. Amanda Ellington

COMPTROLLER Debbie Thompson

aellington@covnews.com

dthompson@covnews.com

Our Thoughts HEROES Life is very fleeting. We are taught that no one of knows the time that our existence will end on this earth. Last week 44-year-old Mun Hyuk Cha, a kind, hard-working businessman, and 39-year-old Otonicar Jimquez Aikens, a father and customer of his, were probably discussing the weather or some sports score or sharing pleasantries about their families when Jeffery Pitts, apparently a disgruntled customer, decided to end their lives.

There was a time in this country when if a customer was upset he or she just never came back to your business. Mr. Pitts apparently decided that he wasn’t happy with that after a confrontation in the store he went home loaded up his guns, drove back to the Magnet package store and took out his displeasure in a bloody life-ending vengeful way, and then went home where he lived with his parents and shot and injured his mother and father.

Out of this tragic story, two positive things happened. Another customer in the store, Todd Scott, instead of cowering away and not getting involved, fired back at Pitts with his own gun. If he hadn’t gotten involved there is no telling how many other people, including our law enforcement people, he might have gunned down.

Mr Scott didn’t intend to become a hero but he became one, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his action on this sad day.

Other heroes on that sad day were RCSO deputies and Conyers Police officers who because of their actions saved possibly many lives.

And the customers, neighbors and community of the Magnet package store proved without question that we have a very caring, strong community that takes care of its own. They came out in droves to support the family of Mr. Cha and Mr. Aikens.

There were tears aplenty as folks hugged Mr. Cha’s parents who flew in from Korea to mourn their son. There was a collection made to be split with the two families and the Cha family gave their share to Jimquez Aiken’s 15-year-old daughter, another special sign of love in itself.

We are sorry that there are apparent sick people like Jeffery Pitts in our community, we are grateful that we have good people like Mun Cha and Jimquez Aikens and Todd Scott in our community.

We all have to keep praying that good guys will always outnumber the bad guys in our community.

To the Cha and Aikens family we are sure that the whole community has your families in their special thoughts and prayers.

Saturday, June 6, 2015 Page 5 rockdalenews.com

Tide in the Affairs of Man Shakespeare once said that from Twilight. Each day wastthere is a tide in the affairs of ed on being afraid to go after man. Each person sitting before what you truly want or sitting me is their own unique spirit on the couch waiting on life to fused with a beautiful mind. You hand you opportunities is one all have your own ideas, hopes, less page you have to fill with and dreams to offer the world. the satisfaction of success.

When you were younger, these When you walk across this Aminah stage tonight, you are not only dreams were not confined by social norms, expectations, and Matthews accepting your diploma. You are a lack of confidence. They were Columnist accepting the responsibility of free to fly with imagination. Now writing your own story. You can that we are older, we’ve been programed either choose to write yourself as the hero to think realistically and are hindered or write yourself as the victim. Regardless by the fear of failure. But failure is only you will be faced with the villains we call the precursor to success. And realism… fear, negativity, and doubt. The difference Well, realism is just overrated. My dad is, the victims allow them self to be deuse to say that there is no real failure. You feated by these antagonist while the heeither do what you’ve learned it takes to roes are so relentless in their pursuit of succeed or succeed at doing exactly what success that they will conquer them. it takes to fail. If there is real failure, it’s in So conquer fear. I will bet the $10 I not learning from your mistakes. have left on my debt card that you will This next chapter in our life has not struggle. You may face times where life been written. Up until this point, most kicks you so hard, you bleed. Unfortuof our chapters were written by our par- nately some of you already have strugents and guardians. In high school we gles more than most people will know, tried to steal the pen to write a couple more than what any 18 year old should of chapters of our own. You know, the have to deal with. But you cannot alchapters you keep secret from your low the fear of experiencing challenges parents. However, now we are the sole cripple you in your quest for success, holders of the pen and the fact is that because in the face of adversity comes we all have a limited number of page strength and new opportunities. If left to write. No one knows exactly how you’re going to fear anything, fear the many, unless, of course, you’re Alice regret of not reaching your true poten-

tial from a lack of trying.

Conquer negativity. There are going to be people who won’t see your vision.

They won’t believe in you the way you hope. Some will even try to convince you that you’re not good enough. But you must hold tightly unto the belief that you are good enough. Because make no mistake about it, the most damaging voice of negativity is you own. The only person who can stop you is yourself.

And lastly conquer doubt. You have all that you need to be successful as long as you have faith in yourself and the initiative to put action to ideas. Once you have cleansed yourself of doubtful thinking, the possibilities are endless.

You will be able to set tides with ideas, hopes, and dreams.

“There is a tide in the affairs of man which taken at the flood leads to fortune.” - William Shakespeare You are the author of your own destiny. So write yourself as the hero, the victor, the character that sets tides, and lead your generation to prosperity. We are the class of 2015. Let’s turn up and write a story nothing short of extraordinary.

Aminah Matthews, a member of the Rockdale County High School Class of 2015, was selected to provide the inspirational message at the RCHS commencement on May 29, 2015.

Your thoughts Your reaction to The Magnet Bottle Shop shooting rampage and its aftermath.

Denise Maffitt Connor: In their greatest despair, Mun’s family still thought of Mr. Aiken’s family first.

Mun was loved by all who knew him and that example of selflessness tells you why. I pray for both families as they begin this new journey.

Happy Tammy: It’s things like this that make me proud to live in our county. Rockdale has definitely changed over the years, but we still come together when tragedy strikes. Praying for healing for everyone.

Lisa Carr Poole: Kari Gordon-Pooley this is the aftermath of the horrible shooting that happened here. THIS is what our little community is really all about, no matter what the nay sayers believe.

The two who are hugging are the

mother of the store owner and a customer’s daughter. The owner and the customer were both killed.

Darius Broughton: I hope you all realize that the shooter has been in Conyers all of his life. It’s not always an influx of new people who bring crime. Pray for the folks around you. You never know what they go through, and location doesn’t always matter.

Alysia B. Williams: Wow. To think this happened in my community. So sad because I have been in that store. Just sad.

Lee Ann: Why didn’t Rockdale go take this Crazed Man “pitts” in if he brandished his Gun well before the shooting and the Rockdale police came out took a report and left? The Gunman comes

back and Murders these Men in cold blood. Rockdale why didnt you arrest this Man if that’s true yall were called out hours before it even happened and possibly he showed the weapon that there is a treat if anything ive ever seen?????

Terrible to see this video again aftern im off work.. If the Mens kids see the video of their Fathers being gunned down in broad day light could be traumatic even more for them or any family, friends.

Doing alot of praying for all involved since i heard this yesterday evening. Devastated at Moon, the Man with the Box running for his Life losing their lives. . I’m a local business owner also and everyday I’m in my store i always have this in the back of my head the threat from your so called Customers being disgruntled over whatever.

Very hard to take this in.

6 • Saturday, June 6, 2015

The News

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The News

Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 7

Film industry

Film Focus: As industry grows, properties are converted to studios

By Sandra Brands

news@rockdalenews.com

Interest in filming in Georgia has grown due to the state’s generous tax credits. That has increased the demands for studio space. In Union City, Shannon Mall is being demolished to make room for a new movie studio the demand for studio space increases, Shannon Mall in Union City is being demolished to make room for a new movie studio.

In April, the Atlanta City Council signed a deal allowing Tyler Perry to turn Fort McPherson into a studio, expanding the facilities the actor and filmmaker already owns a 1,000-plus acre property in Southwest Atlanta which houses five sound stages, a post-production facility and a 400-seat theater.

Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta, a state of the art facility in Gwinnet County, recently opened. Plans are in the works to convert the Civic Center into a mixed-use residential, retail and office space, which would include film and television studios surrounded by a performing arts center and hotel. And Pinewood Studios expanded its operation last November, adding five new sound stages.

All this means jobs for those in the film and television industry, as well as for those working in support industries, such as construction, hospitality and tourism.

According to Georgia Film, Music and Entertainment Office Senior Location Specialist Craig Dominey, the industry has employed over 30,000 Georgians.

Last month, 27 movies and television shows were filmed in Georgia. That number rose to 32 in May. Television shows filmed in Georgia this spring include Archer, Love and Hip Hop, Atlanta, Halt and Catch Fire, Being Mary Jane, Devious Maids, and Divergent. Films in the works include Billy Flynn’s Long-Halftime Walk, Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip, Birth of a Nation, Tom Cruise’s Mena, Table 19 featuring Anna Kendric Steve Carell and Tina Fey, The Founder (Ray Kroc), and Queen Latifah’s Barber Shop 3.

Casting calls have gone out for extras in Tyler Perry’s, “If Loving You Is Wrong,” The Walking Dead, Season 6, Devious Maids, The Founder, Satisfaction, Mena and

an untitled Christmas film starring Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

Anticipated productions include Pennny Marshall’s Effa, Clive Barker’s The Entwined, Five Minutes to Live, Game of Silence, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Hindsight, Keeping up with the Joneses, The Kingmakers , Michelle Darnell, Rings (The Ring 3D), and John Travolta’s Warbirds. Check out Project Casting [http://www.projectcasting.com/], The Southern Casting Call [thesoutherncastingcall. com], Backstage Atlanta [www. backstage.com] or The Georgia Film and TV Commission [http:// www.georgia.org/industries/entertainment/georgia-film-tv-production/] web sites for updates on crew and casting calls.

Aspiring filmmakers will gather in Atlanta, June 12 through 14, for The 48-Hour Film Project, a weekend event held in various cities around the world.

Teams of filmmakers can enter the competition. Each team will draw for the type of film genre they will create. All teams will be given a line of dialogue, a prop and a character’s name. All four elements must be included in the final short film.

The winners of the event will have their film shown around the world. The event is held to encourage filmmakers and would be filmmakers to make movies. Learn more about the competition at The 48-Hour Film Project web site [http://www.48hourfilm.com/].

Community calendar SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Olde Town Summer Film Series: Box Trolls Starts after dark; at Olde Town Pavilion; “The BoxTrolls,” free.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Bald Rock Mother Board Anniversary 11 a.m.; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; Mother Board is celebrating their Anniversary; 770929-3421.

MONDAY, JUNE 15 ArtSmart Camp ArtSmart Camp runs June 15-18, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Rockdale Career Academy; Registration $125 before June 1, $150 after; call 770-922-3143.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Run for the Women 8 a.m.; Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr; 2-mile run/walk; women participants only; Registration $20 until June 1; $25 after; 770-760-1020 or director@phoenixpass. org to register

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Bald Rock Gospel Choir Anniversary 3 p.m.; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; Gospel Choir is celebrating their Anniversary; 770-9293421.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 Lunch and Learn: Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Extension Agent Steve Pettis and Master Gardeners; register at 770-278-7373, pettis1@uga.edu

THURSDAY, JULY 9 Lunch and Learn: Not All Bugs are Bad Noon-1pm; 1400 Parker Rd., Conyers; $5 class, Not All Bugs Are Bad – How to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Bring your lunch and learn about gardening from Rockdale Extension Agent Steve Pettis and Master Gardeners; register at 770-278-7373, pettis1@uga.edu

THURSDAY, AUG. 6 Lunch and Learn: Fall Vegetable Gardening Noon-1pm; 1400 Parker Rd., Conyers; $5 class, Not All Bugs Are Bad – Fall Vegetable Gardening. Bring your lunch and learn about gardening from Rockdale Extension Agent Steve Pettis and Master Gardeners; register at 770-278-7373, pettis1@uga.edu

021 5

ONGOING Rockdale Geneological Society Meets the second Sunday of every month, unless it’s a holiday, at 3 p.m. at the LDS Church on 1275 Flat Shoals Road in Conyers.

A different speaker is featured every month. All are welcome to the free meetings. For more information contact Debbie Dial 770786-0288.

Rockdale NAACP The Rockdale County Branch of the NAACP meets the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton St., 404-401-0189.

Remington House Men’s Breakfast 9 to 10 a.m. the last Tuesday of each month; The Remington House, 1504 Renaissance Drive; free Morning Men’s Breakfast for men 65 and older; 770761-4888.

13th Annual

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MUSIC FESTIVAL

Noon-1pm; 1400 Parker Rd., Conyers; $5 class, Pruning Trees and Shrubs. Bring your lunch and learn about gardening from Rockdale

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8 • Saturday, June 6, 2015

The News

#RockdaleStrong

When Conyers resident Jeffery Pitts, 36, went on a shooting spree Sunday afternoon, brutally gunning down four – killing two and injuring his mother and father – he left a community grieving and searching for answers.

What could have caused a homegrown Heritage grad with a solid family to go on a senseless killing spree over an upaid tab? But in the midst of this dark time, the Magnet community came together in an extraordinary way to lean on one another for support, love and healing.

WHAT HAPPENED The tragic events were sent into motion around 12:30 p.m., when Jeffrey Pitts had a dispute at the Magnet Package Shop, 4669 Bell Road, Conyers, with the store clerk and owner, Mun Hyuk Cha, 44. The dispute was reportedly over a previous unpaid transaction and Pitts’ ID was held. Pitts got his handgun out of his car and “pointed a gun” at the clerk, according to Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett, and asked for his ID back and left, driving off in a red Jeep. Rockdale County Sheriff ’s Office (RCSO) deputies were called and wrote a report for the disturbance.

Deputies then went looking for Pitts. They went to his residence located at 3535 Ebenezer Road, Conyers, but didn’t find him, and issued a lookout alert to Rockdale and Newton deputies.

Pitts then returned to the liquor store hours later, around 4:50 p.m., and opened fire inside the store, where he shot at Cha, customers and other store workers.

Customer Otonicar Jimquez Aikens was closest to the door, and though he ran towards the back, he was shot.

Another customer, Todd Scott, returned fired. Scott fell to the ground in the back of the store, drew his handgun and fired at Pitts, effectively saving the lives of those around him, according to Levett.

Pitts ran out of the store as Scott shot at him.

Levett wouldn’t say how many times each victim was shot or if Scott made contact with Pitts.

Cha and Aikens were the only two individuals to sustain injuries. Both died from the gunshot wounds.

After the shots were fired in the store, an emergency call from Pitts’ residence was made by Pitts’ 64-year-old mother, Judith, whom Pitts shot in the arm.

Pitts also shot his 63-year-old father, Alan, in the head. Alan, reportedly retired from the DeKalb Fire department, was able to make a 911 call and tell operators his son was mentally ill and had shot him

Robert Porter/The Rockdale News

in the head.

Four RCSO deputies, Lt. Tom Brewer, Sgt. Dan Lang, Deputy Brad Lockridge and Deputy Paul Oberholtzer, and one Conyers Police officer, Cpl. Jerahmy Williams, responded to the scene.

Lockridge was the first to arrive and, armed with an assault rifle carried by select trained deputies, was the lone deputy who fired shots at Pitts, who had also equipped himself with an AR-15 with a double drum 100 round magazine in addition to a .45 handgun. Pitts was also wearing a ballistic vest padded with weight plates during the incident, according to Sherry Lang, public information officer for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

According to an autopsy released Friday by the GBI, Pitts killed himself with a single gunshot wound to the head during the shootout with law enforcement.

Lang says she can’t tell say how many shots were fired during the police shootout with Pitts, because it’s still under investigation.

“We have not determined how

many shots were fired,” said Lang.

“We’ll determine that whenever we get all shell casings pick up.”

No deputies were shot, but all were put on administrative leave with pay while the investigation is still going on.

Pitt’s parents were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. His father has been released from the hospital, but, as of Friday morning, his mother is still receiving treatment for her injury at the hospital and is in stable condition.

MUN “MOON” CHA Conyers resident Mun Hyuk Cha, 44, operated the Magnet Package Shop for more than a decade, quietly sharing the lives, triumphs and sorrows of the Magnet community.

He would cash the checks of regular customers even when they left their ID at home, and would sometimes allow customers to run a tab.

He would even sometimes assist them with rent or utility payments, said customers.

Frankie Layfield said Cha treated

everyone with love, like family.

Joe Fanning, another customer of Cha’s, says he’s “hurt” by his loss.

“That’s a real hurt feeling,” he said.

“They’re real good people. As nice as they could be.”

Fanning took his 5-year-old granddaughter, Alissa, to the memorial too. She liked going to the store because Cha and his wife would always give her lollipops.

Many customers fondly remembered the candy and lollipops he

would give their children.

Carrolton County resident Dionne Ellison-Gower took a twohour trip to Rockdale in order to pay respects to Cha and place flowers at the memorial.

“My husband and I used to live right down here,” she told The News. “My husband owned a bar in Covington. We used to get all our liquor purchases from here.

“We drove from Carrollton to leave some flowers. It’s heartbreak-

The News

Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 9 at the vigil, but at the end of the night, Cha’s parents gave their portion to Aikens’ daughter to support her and her brothers.

Funeral service for Aikens was Friday at the Church at Covington, 11975 Hwy 142, Oxford, GA. Aikens would have turned 40 on October 13 of this year.

ing. I heard last night... I was praying to God it wasn’t him or his wife.”

Cha and his wife Su Young did not have children but were trying to have a child, said customer Regina Carter, and he was trying to cut back some of his working hours on Sunday. Carter has been coming to the store since 2007 and helped organize the vigil at the store’s parking lot.

Since his death, community residents and his customers have shown him an outpouring of love. More than 100 people came out to a candlelight vigil held Wednesday, June 3, at the Magnet Package Shop in a show support for the Cha and Aikens families.

Cha’s family gathered for the funeral from Georgia, the Philadelphia area, and California. Cha’s parents, who had previously owned the store and had retired, flew in from Korea.

Funeral service for Cha is today at 11 a.m. at Lee’s Funeral Home and Crematory, 4067 Industrial Park Drive, Norcross, GA 30071

Shooting victim Jimquez Aikens

JIMQUEZ AIKENS Covington resident Jimquez Aiken, 39, was a husband and father of three, with a 2-yearold, 8-year-old and 15-year-old.

Prior to going to the liquor store, Aiken was at home celebrating his son’s eighth birthday, says Darrell Stodghill, Aiken’s father, and he was only making a quick trip to the store.

“What makes it (even worse), yesterday was his son’s (eighth) birthday,” Stodghill told The News on Monday. “Cooking on the grill, he said, ‘I’ll be right back.’”

Aikens’ family, including his mother, father, 15-year-old daughter, aunts, sister, cousins, and more were surrounded by hugs and warm support at the candlelight vigil held Wednesday at the Magnet bottle shop. He was a hard worker and provider, they said.

“He was a very family-oriented guy. He loved his wife, his kids, his dogs, his old cars,” said his aunt, Sandra Stripling.

The last conversation his 15-year-old daughter Shatonica remembers was on Saturday. “He told me he wanted me to be happy and be successful in my life,” she said.

Donations were collected for both families

TODD SCOTT Because of his actions and quick thinking, Levett gave Scott high praises.

“I consider him to be a hero,” said Levett about the 44-year-old Covington resident. “Although we did have Todd Scott a fatality at that location, he did save some other lives that were inside that business.”

The 44-year-old owner of the Social House bar and grill in Porterdale doesn’t necessarily agree with that assessment.

It started like any other Sunday. He, his fiancé and her sons, and their friends had rented a movie to watch that night and Scott was making what he thought was a quick trip to the store.

“When I heard the gunshots, I thought it wasn’t happening. Then I smelled the gunpowder... For a split second, looked at another gentleman on the floor. Then I stood up and fired in the direction of the guy that was in there shooting,” he said.

“I’m not a hero. I just did what I thought should be done,” Scott later told WSB-TV. “I definitely wasn’t going to lie on the floor and take it.”

“I just wanted to get home to them,” his loved ones, he said.

It was the first time Scott had to fire his registered handgun.

“If I save lives, I’m happy for that,” said Scott. “You should save lives if you can.”

JEFFERY PITTS Pitts’ parents purchased their house on Ebenezer Road in 1986. Pitts was only seven years old.

He attended Heritage High School and was a member Jeffrey Scott Pitts, of the 1997 gradu36 years-old ating class.

Rockdale County resident Don Pollard was a member of the same class.

“I don’t remember him all that well,” he said. “It’s been almost 20 years.”

However, he was able to recall a few Jeffrey Pitts, Class details, like Pitts of 1997 RCHS senior having a hearing yearbook picture impairment.

“He had to wear two really large hearing aids,” said Pollard. “It was the first time I saw someone my age wearing hearing aids.”

He described Pitts as “pretty reserved” and meek. But, in Pitts’ senior year, he seemed to open up a little bit more to people.

“He was pretty quiet,” Pollard said.” He wasn’t very popular but seemed to grow into his own. He seemed to have more friends by senior year.”

Like most people who saw and heard about the events that transpired Sunday, Pollard was stunned when he heard about what happened, but even more so when he saw it was a former classmate.

“When I saw the picture (of Jeffrey Pitts) in the news I recognized him. I was pretty shocked,” he said. “We’ve never had that kind of incident with any other classmate.”

Pitts may have suffered from some type of mental illness. Not only did his father say so in the 911 call made Sunday, but he also hinted at his son having “issues” in an incident report filed with the RCSO nine years ago.

On April 17, 2006, Pitts called deputies to his residence to report suspicious activity occurring at his residence at 3535 Ebenezer Road.

Pitts told Deputy Julie Cooley that he believes someone has been coming in the residence, which was shared by Pitts’ parents and brother, and taking things. On another occasion, Pitts said he found women’s underwear on his dresser, heard knocking on windows at night and gunshots There were no signs of forced entry, “Jeffrey believes someone has gotten a key, but he (couldn’t) advise how they might have obtained it,” Cooley wrote.

Pitts also believed one of his neighbors had gotten someone at the power department to cut the wires to the house alarm system so that it doesn’t go off when he comes in.

Cooley then spoke with Pitts’ father, Alan, on the phone.

“He stated that Jeffrey has ‘issues’ and this is not the first time he’s displayed paranoid behavior,” wrote Cooley.

In another RCSO report from April 17, 2004, two days after Pitts turned 25, a female victim reported Pitts making harassing phone calls to her for several weeks.

“She stated (Jeffrey) keeps calling, confessing his love for her and he attempts to get her to confess her love for him,” Deputy Michelle Haywood wrote in the report.

Rodgers claimed that a year ago she spoke to Pitts at a bar for about five minutes by way of her boyfriend, who knew Pitts from them

Bryan Fazio & Robert Porter/The Rockdale News

attending high school together.

Shortly after that encounter, Pitts started calling her. Rodgers claimed to have never given Pitts her number, but Pitts told her that she did.

Pitts also told Rodgers that he knows where she lives as well.

“Rogers stated, she has asked Pitts not to call her and that she was not interested in him,” wrote Haywood. “Rogers stated, Pitts continues to call her and now she fears him.”

On Pitts’ birthday four years ago, a deputy was called to his residence again. This time the call came from a “third-party caller” who stated the resident at this location sounded upset.

When Deputy Christopher Lee arrived at the scene, he found Pitts sitting in his Jeep in his boxer shorts.

“I attempted to make contact with Mr. Pitts but he appeared to be in an altered state,” wrote Lee in his report. “I was unable to get any information from him and was unable to determine if he was on medication.”

On the ground next to the jeep was a pair of pants belonging to Pitts. Inside the pocket of the pants was a knife.

Pitts had no criminal history with the RCSO. His only brush with the law in this area came in November 2010.

The Newton County Sheriff ’s Office (NCSO) arrested him for driving under the influence and being in possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. He received a fine, community service and 12 months of probation the offense.

10 • Saturday, June 6, 2015

The News

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS Clemson University, Spring 2015 Leroy Hill of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Berry College, Spring 2015 Jessica Tabb of Conyers earned a BA in Communication - Public Relations.

Madison Ivey of Conyers earned a BS in Psychology.

Georgia Southwestern State University, Spring 2015 Lillie Lopez of Conyers earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting Georgia Institute of Technology, Fall 2014 Lyndell Cleaveland of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Troy Dawson of Conyers graduated with a Master of Science in Building Construction & Facility Management Adetola Faminu of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Sara Gammon of Conyers graduated with a Master of Business Administration Naveed Khan of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of

Science in Biomedical Engineering Jan Lauritsen of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Lauren Rhodes of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs & Modern Language Kendrick Wright of Conyers graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Management of Technology Clemson University, Fall 2014 Aleah Jabri Horton of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Grady Jarrett II of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Garry Stclaire Peters Jr. of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology University of North Georgia, Fall 2014 Benjamin David Maloy of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Kristen E. Stretch of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science William Lazenby of Covington graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Valdosta State University, Fall 2014 Dustin Daniel of Conyers graduated Isaiah Gresham of Conyers graduated Sarah Kirkpatrick of Conyers graduated Starr Wade of Conyers graduated Valdosta State University, Spring 2014 Shamira Alexandria Threat of Conyers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Cody Phillips of Covington graduated Jennifer Forgay of Covington graduated Parrish Wilkes of Covington graduated Oxford College of Emory University, Fall 2014 Rubenie Stimphil of Conyers received an Associate of Arts

Dimond A. Leslie of Conyers Brenau University Spring 2015 Merit List (3.5 GPA or higher): Khandis Isoke Plunkett of Conyers Georgia Institute of Technology Fall 2014 Faculty Honors (4.0 GPA): Diana Thompson of Conyers Georgia Institute of Technology Fall 2014 Dean’s List (3.0 GPA or higher): Ana Tuttle, Emily Boyer, Maya Tome, Preston Turner, Christopher York, all of Conyers Oxford College of Emory University Fall 2014 Honor List (3.5 GPA or higher): Gabriella Lains of Conyers Washington and Lee University Fall 2014 Dean’s List (3.4 GPA or higher): Andrew Shipp of Conyers, Class of 2016

Berry College Spring 2015 Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or more): Bethany Blount, Jessica Tabb, Madison Ivey, all of Conyers

Valdosta State University Fall 2014 Dean’s List (3.50 GPA or higher): Michael Bosworth, Keeli Coble, Ayanna Craig, Nicole Lee, Niquette Linton, Alexus Mathis, Christian Nabi, Thaian Nguyen, Starr Wade, Kimberly Williams, all of Conyers

Brenau University Spring 2015 Dean’s List (3.6 GPA or higher with 15 course hours per semester):

University of North Georgia Fall 2014 Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or higher): Victoria Elizabeth Beauchamp,

HONORS/DEAN’S LIST

the

NEWS

News

Newswrap

Perspectives

Brendan Colin James, Caroline Lee Moore, Aubree Marie Smith, Courtney Taylor Conkle, Brian Carver Carpenter, all of Conyers University of North Georgia Fall 2014 President’s List (4.0 GPA): Lena Evelyn Walker of Conyers Mercer University Fall 2014 Dean’s List: Sarah Myers of Conyers, a freshman in the College of Liberal Arts; Morgan Poole of Conyers, a freshman in the College of Liberal Arts; Nicholas Wade of Conyers, a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts; Lori Gasque of Conyers, a senior in the Tift College of Education; Lorraine ThompsonHall of Conyers, a senior in the Tift College of Education; Amanda Nelson of Conyers, a junior in the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing; LaTanya Barber-Swift of Conyers, a junior in the Penfield College; Jessica Sharp of Conyers, a junior in the Penfield College Reinhardt University Fall 2014 Dean’s List: Hannah Gilreath of Covington, Sydney Pahl of Covington, Sarah Williams of Oxford

Continued on PAGE 13

Sidelines

Variety

DIGITAL TRAGEDY EDITION AT MAGNET Every Wednesday, just in time for your morning coffee.

What’s in this week’s edition: — Senseless Rampage – The south Rockdale Magnet community rallies in love and grief after shooter Jeffrey Pitts kills a beloved Magnet shop owner and a father of three.

— Movies Under the Stars – Summertime means movies outdoors.

Register for free, then visit rockdalenewsdigital.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Serving Rockdale County and Conyers, Ga.

Jeffrey Pitts did more than kill two people. He ripped a hole in the heart of the Magnet community.

The News

WATER

From FRONT PAGE — The council approved a contract for AT&T to upgrade the city’s 911 system in what city Chief Operating Officer David Spann called a “housekeeping” move.

— A 40-year-old Conyers police officer suffered a heart attack after a foot chase on Sunday and remains hospitalized, City Manager Tony Lucas informed the council. Sgt. Justin Lykins was stricken while driving the suspect to jail, Lucas said.

“He radioed and said, ‘I’m having a heart attack,’” Lucas told the News, adding that Lykins was able to get himself and the suspect safely to the jail.

Any residents wishing to offer get-well cards can send them care of the Conyers Police Department, 1194 Scott St., Conyers, 30012.

— Lucas said that WSB-TV was in town recently to film a story about one of Conyers’ infamous unsolved murders. Ormelia Zackery was found beaten to death on June 1, 1986 behind what is now the Chamber of Commerce build-

Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 11 ing. Lucas was a police officer at that time and was the first to respond to the scene. Lucas told the council that the police had a suspect who refused to answer questions about the case before dying while in jail for another crime.

“I’ve always hated that one,” said Lucas of Zackery’s killing.

— The council approved new alcohol holder licenses for new managers at the Jim N Nicks BarB-Q at 2275 Hwy. 20 and the Hawthorn Suites at 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway.

— A real estate broker came to the council meeting to praise Marty Jones, executive director of the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council, for his help in the recent sale of a notorious Ellington Drive property to Competition Clutch.

“It was a hard sale on my part, and I couldn’t have gotten it done without the efforts of Marty,” said broker Michael Penland of Powell Property Group, who represented Gwinnett Community Bank in the sale.

The strip of industrial buildings were known for poor conditions and crime, according to city officials. Competition Clutch, a

maker of high-performance auto clutches, will move from its rented Blacklawn Road location into the new building, which it will own, and will rent space to other businesses as well.

Penland said the growing company had been courted by other communities and even by someone in Las Vegas. But with Jones’s help, it chose to stay in Conyers.

Jones was also present, and praised city officials and staff for their help in the negotiations.

— Mayor Randy Mills presented the 2014 Government Partner of the Year Award to Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful. The presentation included an award made out of a plastic bottle flattened for recycling, a nod to the group’s cleanup efforts.

CLUTCH From PAGE 3

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Sports

Saturday, June 6, 2015 Page 12 rockdalenews.com Two-minute warning

Don’t overreact, it’s just Game 1 It’s just game from deep. one, but it was a I don’t and you great game. NBA shouldn’t expect MVP Steph Curry Smith, Lebron or and the Warriors Kyrie (if he plays) took on the best to be this bad from basketball player three again, but on in the world, Lebthe flip side Curry Shakeem and Klay Thompron James and the Cavaliers on ThursHolloway son also won’t day in a historically Publisher combine to go 5-15 great opening game from three in too to the NBA Finals. many more games.

In this era of social media, Another factor to look at people have a tendency to is the poor free throw shootoverreact to games as they’re ing from the Cavs, which happening. Don’t. was mostly from LeBron. He Let me preface this by say- went 6-10 from the charity ing I picked the Warriors to stripe while the rest of the win the series in seven games team was 7-9. The Warriors simply because they have barely missed going 20-22 at a better “team” and I don’t the line. trust all of the isolation plays Obviously, these aren’t the Cleveland runs, it’s an unsuc- only reasons Golden State cessful and ugly approach to won, such as Cleveland isothe game. However, I don’t lating Lebron and him gothink anyone, whether you’re ing 18-38 from the field, the rooting for Golden State or fact Cleveland had just three Cleveland, should overreact players in double figures to the first game. while the Warriors had five Teams make adjustments and/or the lack of scoring and narratives change as se- from Cleveland’s bench. ries progress. There are some Going forward Kyrie’s things you should takeaway health is gonna be a huge facfrom the game, but you tor in this series. He played should realize that with the great until he got hurt toward series being so fresh they’re the end of the game. It’ll take all subject to change.

Godlike performances from Primarily, you have to look Lebron and big contribuat how Golden State won and tions from other players like why Cleveland didn’t. One of Smith and Tristan Thompthe main reason that stick son, which is possible. out is Cleveland’s inability The thing is whether Kyrie to hit consistently form the is going to play or not, this three, which is obviously one series was destined to change of those factors that are sub- as it continues. Coaches alject to change. ways make adjustments.

The Cavs shot 9-31 (29 Going into the series I percent) from beyond the wondered how Cleveland arc while the Warriors shot would adjust when Golden 10-27 (37 percent) from State went small with Draydeep. J.R. Smith, James and mond Green at the center Kyrie Irving combined to position and that’s what go 7-26 from three-point Warriors coach Steve Kerr range. Smith, who is just as did in overtime, which relikely to get really hot as he sulted in Cleveland’s head is to get really cold, was 3-10 coach David Blatt taking

center Timofey Mozgov out and leaving Thompson in at the five. This decision led to a win for the Warriors and just two points Golden State practically gave away in overtime for the Cavs.

It’ll be interesting going forward to see how Blatt counters a small Warriors lineup. In my opinion it’d be easy just to play Lebron more at the four or five with shooters around him as a point-center. However, Kyrie’s injury makes this lineup more difficult because Matthew Dellavedova isn’t as good a shooter and James Jones is a liability on defense. If Kyrie is healthy then Cleveland can send out a Kyrie/Smith/Iman Shumphert/ Lebron/Thompson lineup that isn’t necessarily small but athletic enough to keep up with Golden State and potentially get a lot of offensive rebounds.

Cleveland also has to figure out a way to get LeBron easier looks, especially if Irving gets sidelined for the next game or even the series. Whether Cleveland comes out with more inefficient hero ball or starts using Lebron in pick-and-rolls or different sets to free him up, Golden State should feature Andre Igoudala on him because he played so well on him in the first game. Because there will be so many adjustments the Warriors should continue to mix it up with multiple defenders such as Thompson, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes, but Iggy should be the main course.

Whatever the case, game two will tell us if this series is going to be as good as game one was or if we’ll be without basketball sooner rather than later.

Pack the Park

Rockdale Youth Soccer Association (RYSA) Rockdale Youth Soccer Association (RYSA) is trying to break the record for highest number of attendance at a Rockdale County soccer game. The event is called Pack the Park. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. at RYSA. There will be raffles and the winners receiving a free recreational season, adult season, or half of academy or select registration.

Also events at half time including a cross bar challenge and juggling competition with the winners receiving Revolution T- Shirts.

We are planning to have different activities during the game like face painting.Tickets are $1.00 for adults and children are free.

King leaves RCHS for Eastside

By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

Eastside’s new girls’ basketball coach is home. A Covington native, Gladys King - formerly Rockdale County High School girls head basketball coach - will take over for former Lady Eagles head coach Matthew Jackson, after accepting the job this spring.

King has a profuse amount of basketball experience. She’s played the sport in Newton County since she was in the sixth grade before transferring to RCHS for her final three years in high school. King went on to earn a scholarship and play in Oklahoma before moving back to Georgia to play at Paine College in Augusta. King, who is 6-foot-1 played center in high school and small forward in college. She made her money, as they say, scoring in the paint and getting rebounds.

After spending a year at Salem under Rochone Dilligard, King went on to work as an assistant at Rockdale before being hired as the head coach.

“They came looking for me. When opportunity knocks, you have to go for that opportunity. I thought it was a good fit because I’m right in this area, I know a lot of people in this area. I know some of the parents and people in this community so that was one of the reasons. I’m right at home,” King said.

King says the community had has welcomed her back with open arms. She says she’s received phone calls and messages, and it’s been a wonderful feeling.

Some of the Lady Eagles and King are already hard at work this summer. They’ve been practicing and will participate in a number of tournaments this summer as they get used to one another.

“My goals are for the girls to be very com-

petitive. Always compete, always working hard, doing your best and giving 100 percent at everything that they do,” King said.

After a few practices with a small squad due to it being summer, King said she was very impressed with what she’s seen, especially her seniors.

“They show great leadership. They come out and they’re working hard, so I’m really impressed,” King said about her seniors.

King added that she expects everybody to help build this program, from underclassmen to upperclassmen, she won’t rely on just one person.

As for what happens on the court, King says that she wants her team to be aggressive and quick. Her motto is “we can score but other teams can’t score” so it starts on the defensive end. At Rockdale, she was known to switch up her defenses on the fly, going from different zones to man as she felt necessary, which she says will likely continue at Eastside.

“Each player is different and my motto is this: girls need to understand that they all have a different role. Everybody has a different role on the team,” King said. “Some player’s role may not be the leading scorer, their role may be defense. I’ll let them understand when I see that and the ones that hustle I’ll let them understand and point out to them your role, you don’t have to be known for just scoring you can be known for your defense, you can be known for your hustle, you can be known for getting that steal that we need or making that good pass or dishing the ball off. We need role players and you’ve got to understand and be able to recognize what those role players are and the role players got to be able to recognize and accept their role.”

King, right now, is just happy to be home and she looks forward to continuing her career where it all started.

The News

GRADUATION From PAGE 10

Wofford College Fall 2014 Dean’s List (GPA 3.6 or higher): Christian Jacob Goerner of Covington Troy University Fall 2014 Provost’s List (GPA 3.65 or higher): Alyse McGiboney of Covington, Marcus Walton of Conyers Troy University Term 3 2014/2015 Provost’s List (3.65 GPA or higher):Alexandria Corbett of Conyers Troy University Fall 2014 Chancellor’s List (GPA of 4.0): Sharon Goodwin of Conyers Bob Jones University (Greenville, S.C.) Fall 2014 Dean’s List (3.003.74 GPA): James Krech, a Junior Accounting major of Conyers OTHER Avery Reagan of Conyers, a student at University of Evansville, is spending the Spring 2015 semester studying abroad at Harlaxton College, UE’s British campus near Grantham, England.

Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 13 MILITARY BASIC TRAINING GRADUATIONS U.S. Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Ridley S. Rowe graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Rowe is the son of Elizabeth Collazo and Ridley Rowe, both of Conyers, Ga., and nephew of Raul Collazo of Staten Island, N.Y. He is a 2011 graduate of Salem High School, Conyers, Ga. Army Pvt. Marquis M. Gordon has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical

LaTasha S Harris of Conyers, a student at University of North Georgia, studied abroad in La Romana, Dominican Republic, during spring break through the UNG Department of Physical Therapy’s Experiencing Physical Therapy in the Dominican Republic program, and is majoring in physical therapy.

Meagan Johnson of Conyers was one of the eight Georgia College Max Noah Singers selected to perform in Savannah, Ga. for the 2015 Georgia Music Educators Association All College Chorus. The performance took place at Savannah Christ Church Friday, Jan. 30, 2015.

Johnson is a music education major and attended Salem High School.

Dimond Leslie of Conyers, attending Brenau University, performed in the gospel choir concert “Heart of a Worshipper” on March 9 at the Brenau Downtown Center Theatre on the Square.

Leslie is a sophomore majoring in art education. She is a graduate of Rockdale County High School.

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi initiations: Mary Thomas of Conyers at Brenau University, Ashley Maag of Conyers at Kennesaw State University, Colette Dempsey of Conyers at Mercer University, Lorraine Thompson-Hall of Conyers at Mercer University, Camille Colson of Conyers at Mercer University Alexandria Corbett of Conyers, was recently inducted into the Troy University chapter of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.

warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Gordon is the son of Nicolette Brown of Conyers, Ga., and Cierra Derrico of Rex, Ga. He is a 2011 graduate of Salem High School, Conyers, Ga. Air Force Airman Donovan D. Howard graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Howard is the son of Jeanine M. Sanders of Conyers, Ga. He is a 2012 graduate of Rockdale County High School, Conyers, Ga.

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Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 15

Crime

Husband accused of kidnapping wife

By Martin Rand III

An Atlanta resident is sitting in county jail for allegedly committing several acts of violence against his wife on two separate occasions earlier this year According to the Conyers Police report, David Holliday Jr., 25, is being accused of punching, choking and dragging his 20-year-old wife inside and outside of her apartment located in the 1100 block of South Main Street. Holiday got into a “tussling” match with his wife’s 68-year-old grandfather.

His charges include aggravated assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, two counts of simple

battery, battery and obstructing a person from making an emergency phone call.

The first incident occurred March 27. Around 11:30 p.m., Holliday went to his wife’s apartment against his wife’s will “to finish getting some of his clothes,” according to the report. Holliday still had a key to the apartment from when he used to live there and let himself inside.

However, he was still at the apartment around 3 a.m., and then he began to speak using obscene language towards his wife and started “looking through paperwork in the bedroom.”

“When she told him that he could not have her paper work he

became angry,” the officer wrote in the report.

At this point, Holliday went from the bedroom to living room and allegedly attacked his wife. He allegedly pulled her hair, knocked her to the floor, punched her and choked her “with both of hands around her throat.”

Her grandfather pulled Holliday off of her and they started to “wrestle,” but the grandfather stated Holiday never hit him.

Holiday then took his wife’s phone so she couldn’t the police, stood in front of the front door and stated no one was leaving.

“He stated he would kill them if they walked outside the apartment,” according to the report.

The following morning Holliday gave the phone back and left the premises.

The next incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on April 14.

Police showed up to the same address and found the front “had been kicked in.”

“The door frame was broken away from the door, and laying on the floor,” wrote the officer.

Neither Holliday nor his wife was near the apartment. Police did talk to a neighbor who said she heard screaming.

“She looked out of the window and saw a male throw a female on the ground, slap her with a belt and dragged her to the rear of the apartments into the woods,” the

neighbor told the officer. “(The neighbor) stated she heard the victim… yell for DJ to stop.”

The wife was eventually located in the woods to the east side of the complex. She had “visible marks and blood coming from her mouth and lips.” The officer also noted her eyes were swollen, had blood dripping from her knee and elbow and bruises on her cheeks and neck.

The victim stated Holliday came to her apartment uninvited again caused her injuries.

Holliday was arrested Wednesday, May 27. He’s currently in Rockdale County Jail with a $22,000 bond for his misdemeanor charges.

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