< All Episodes
Northwest Georgia News

Floyd Man’s Death Penalty Challenge Denied On Procedural Grounds

Listen to the Episode

Show Notes

COMMERCIAL:

From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard.

 

Today is Saturday, September 7th and happy birthday to Buddy Holly

 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.

  1. Floyd Man’s Death Penalty Challenge Denied On Procedural Grounds
  2. More Arrests in Case of Murdered Rydal Teen
  3. School Shooting in Barrow County Claims Four Lives

These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!

 

Commercial: DRAKE

 

STORY 1:   Floyd Man’s Death Penalty Challenge Denied On Procedural Grounds

A federal judge denied James Randall Rogers' request to reconsider his 1985 death penalty conviction, primarily on procedural grounds. Rogers, convicted of murdering 75-year-old Grace Perry in 1980, challenged his conviction due to debunked forensic evidence used at his 1985 trial, including discredited bite mark analysis. U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross ruled that reconsideration requires Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals approval, as the petition did not present new evidence. Rogers still has a pending motion for a new trial in Floyd County Superior Court, which has yet to be decided.

 

STORY 2:   More Arrests in Case of Murdered Rydal Teen

In the case of slain Rydal teenager Jeffery Tyler Ray, more arrests have been made. Ray, 18, was fatally shot at an outdoor party on Aug. 25 in Murray County. Along with Ray, another man was injured. Anthony Jovan Wilkinson, 25, was initially arrested for felony murder and aggravated assault. On Aug. 30, TyKel Keshawn Hutchinson, 19, an unnamed 16-year-old, and Keano Nestor, 17, were also arrested. Hutchinson and the teen face similar charges as Wilkinson, while Nestor is charged with tampering with evidence. The GBI is seeking additional information from the public.

 

STORY 3:  School Shooting in Barrow County Claims Four Lives

On Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, a 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, shot and killed two students and two teachers before surrendering to school resource officers. Nine others were injured and taken to hospitals. Law enforcement praised the swift response, while federal and state leaders expressed profound sorrow. President Biden and Governor Kemp emphasized the tragedy and the need for community support. The investigation is ongoing, and Gray will face murder charges as an adult. Schools will be closed for the rest of the week, with grief counseling available for the community.

 

Back in a moment

Commercial:  Advent Health

 

 

STORY 4:  Rural Georgia Struggles Without Focused Economic Support

 As Georgia’s cities thrive economically, rural areas struggle with persistent poverty and limited prospects. David Bridges of Georgia’s Rural Center suggests a new investment strategy: focusing on regional hubs rather than spreading resources thinly across all counties. This hub-city model aims to boost regional growth by concentrating support in key areas, which will in turn benefit surrounding communities. Key issues like inadequate healthcare and education in rural areas hinder economic development. Proposed solutions include improving service consolidation among counties and investing in education and training for local officials to make better decisions. The goal is a unified approach to uplift rural Georgia.

 

STORY 5:   One Table: A Dinner Representing Fellowship And Community

The annual One Table dinner, a cherished event in Downtown Rome, aims to foster community unity amidst a polarized political climate. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, the event features a large family-style dinner on the Chief John Ross Pedestrian Bridge. With over 100 attendees expected, the $75 tickets support the nonprofit One Community United and cover event costs. The dinner, which invites local leaders but bans political speeches, serves as a nonpartisan gathering to encourage open dialogue and strengthen community bonds. Volunteers from Berry College and Rome High School help with the event, highlighting its broad community support.

 

Back in just a moment

 

Commercial:  INGLES 3

 

 

STORY 6:  Emergency Management demonstrates 'EM3' educational robot

Gordon County's Emergency Management Agency Director, Courtney Taylor, and Deputy Director, Wendy Saylors, introduced "EM3," an advanced educational robot, to county commissioners during a work session. Equipped with lights, a siren, a video screen, and remote communication capabilities, EM3 will be utilized for teaching and public demonstrations at local schools and events to enhance community education and engagement in emergency management.

 

STORY 7:  Floyd Schools Recognize AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

Floyd County Schools recently honored 27 students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma, a recognition by the College Board for developing critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills. To achieve this, students must score 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP exams. The program, enhances college readiness and fosters a passion for learning. Notable recipients include Abbie Carson from Armuchee High, Aislin Bollen from Coosa High, and several students from Model and Pepperell High Schools.

 

 

 

 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this.

 

COMMERCIAL:

Sign off--

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/

 

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

 

www.ingles-markets.com  www.drakerealty.com 

 

#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.