Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter. A local DA is under fire, with efforts to oust her from office. Plus, who will give the commencement speech at UGA this Spring? We’ll tell you. But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.
Athens News
A second arrest has been made in connection with the death of 3-year-old Kyron Zarco.
Sixteen-year-old Jayden Brown has been apprehended and faces multiple charges including aggravated assault and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Julian Cubillos was arrested earlier and faces similar charges.
Police are now seeking two more suspects, 18-year-old Dakious Echols and 22-year-old Desmontrez Mathis.
Both are charged in connection with the shooting.
Community support has been strong, with rallies and a reward of up to $2,000 for any information leading to their arrest.
If you have information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 706-705-4775.
This from 11 Alive.
Athens News
In the Georgia Primaries, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden emerged as the Republican and Democratic candidates, respectively.
In Clarke County, 3,876 ballots were cast, representing a 5.59% election day turnout.
However, when factoring in absentee and advance voting, participation rose to 11.2%.
Trump dominated Republican votes in Clarke County with 2,328 ballots (70.25%), followed by Nikki Haley with 844 votes (25.47%).
Meanwhile, Biden secured a significant victory among Democratic voters, garnering 4,175 votes (93.55%).
This from the Red & Black.
Athens News
Clarke County Sheriff John Williams addressed concerns last week, regarding his office's handling of undocumented immigrants in response to recent events, notably the tragic murder of nursing student Laken Riley.
Williams acknowledged the need to strengthen procedures for documenting cases involving immigrants jailed on criminal charges, following criticism at a downtown Athens rally.
Williams clarified that while his office does notify ICE as part of the booking process, there are efforts to enhance record-keeping and reporting on immigrants in the jail.
Notably, the murder suspect in the Laken Riley case, Jose Ibarro, was not previously booked into the jail.
Williams emphasized that his office does not support Athens as a sanctuary city, stating that sheriffs lack the authority to declare such status.
He underscored the existing policy, which considers ICE detainers as requests rather than warrants, and highlighted the need for a court order or warrant for detention.
This from the Athens-Banner Herald.
Social Media
From the Athens-Clarke County News Facebook page:
District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez has long been in the crosshairs of Republicans, and now, amid heightened scrutiny following the tragic killing of Laken Riley, a well-funded effort is underway to remove her from office.
Watching&Wondering
She seems incapable of accepting blame or responsibility. Her first instinct is to blame others for her shortcomings, incompetence, and poor judgement. She will throw the Chief of Police, the police department, the citizens, and even her own staff (what’s left of them) under the bus to try and save face. Then claims she is a victim because citizens are working to get her ousted.
BS Detector
Even the Democrats should realize how bad she is and vote her out.
Georgia is a Cesspool
If you all hate Athens and the community here so much, why don’t you just leave? We’d be better off without you.
sabrina_mynx
She is a narcissist & self absorbed. She cannot comprehend the damage she has caused to countless families, police, judges, & the people of Athens. She is what is known as a menace to society & our governor is just as guilty if he cannot remove her from office immediately on the grounds of endangerment to the community.
UGA News
American athlete Allison Schmitt, a distinguished UGA alumna and Olympic medalist, will deliver the undergraduate commencement speech on May 10th in Sanford Stadium.
Schmitt, who holds the American record in the 200-meter freestyle, aims to empower others in their mental health battles, having recently earned a master's degree in social work from Arizona State University.
For the graduate commencement ceremonies, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor Jenna Jambeck will deliver the speech.
With expertise in environmental engineering, Jambeck's research on solid waste and plastic pollution has earned her international acclaim.
The ceremonies for master's and specialist degrees will take place on May 9th, both in Stegeman Coliseum.
For further details on UGA's commencement logistics, visit commencement.uga.edu.
This from the Red & Black.
UGA Sports
From the Red & Black:
Georgia men’s basketball's regular season ends in a 92-78 loss to Auburn.
The Georgia women’s basketball season wrapped up in Greenville, South Carolina.
A 64-50 loss to Kentucky in the first round of the SEC Tournament gave the Bulldogs a 12-18 final record and capped off Georgia’s first losing season in program history.
Athens News
The Cancer Foundation in Athens recently concluded its annual "Blooms and Blessings" project, delivering over 150 bouquets to cancer patients in the area.
With the dedicated efforts of 13 volunteers and generous flower donations from Blossoms Wholesale, the initiative aimed to provide tangible support and encouragement to patients undergoing treatment.
The bouquets were distributed to individuals at University Cancer and Blood Center, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, Georgia Cancer Specialists, and Morgan Memorial Hospital, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care and healing.
Through this gesture, the foundation seeks to remind patients that they are not alone in their journey towards recovery.
This from the Athens-Banner Herald.
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