Welcome to your Paulding County News Podcast. I’m Melissa Carter, along with Doug Harding. . Plus, a local rapper gets arrested at The Grammys. We’ll get your take on it. But first, let’s take a look at our top stories.
PC News
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office has ruled the death of a former Hiram High School star athlete as a homicide.
Thirty-year-old Charles Baulding was found shot to death in his Riverbend Trail home last month.
Deputies arriving at the scene determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds.
The GBI is working closely with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office on the case.
While investigators delve into the details, residents are assured that there is no immediate danger, but authorities caution everyone to remain vigilant in their surroundings.
Anyone with information should come forward by calling the tip line at (770) 443-3047 or using the Paulding Sheriff mobile app.
This from The Patch.
PC News
A woman is missing, and authorities are seeking your help.
Gitana Squires is 35 years old, stands at 5'09", and weighs 150 lbs.
She has brown eyes, black hair, and was last seen wearing an unknown-colored jacket, blue jeans, and occasionally wears a black or blonde wig.
Squires left her home on foot Friday and is believed to have been picked up in the Paulding County area, taken to Metro Atlanta.
She has a history of mental health issues, heightening concerns for her safety.
If you have any information about Gitana Squires or know of her whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (770) 445-2117.
You can also send a message via the free Paulding Sheriff mobile app.
This from the Paulding County Sheriff’s office.
PC News
A judge has denied bond for Gerson Rodriguez, who is charged with murder in the death of Georgia State Trooper Jimmy Cenescar.
Cenescar, a Paulding County High School graduate, lost his life during a vehicular pursuit last month when his cruiser veered off I-85 and struck an embankment in Suwanee.
Trooper Cenescar was attempting to stop a motorcycle for a traffic violation before the pursuit unfolded, ultimately leading to the fatal crash.
Rodriguez faces charges of felony murder, first-degree homicide, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, and reckless driving.
According to a crash report, the motorcycle driven by Rodriguez dangerously maneuvered between lanes, prompting Cenescar to swerve to avoid other cars.
The trooper's vehicle crashed into trees and rocks, resulting in his untimely death.
Governor Brian Kemp expressed that Rodriguez's arrest is a "step toward justice for one of Georgia’s fallen heroes."
This from Fox News.
Weather
Partly Sunny today. High in Dallas 60, Low 36. In Hiram, High of 59, Low of 35.
Thursday, more sunshine. High in Dallas and Hiram 61, Low 44.
Rain moves in Friday, with High’s around 60 and Lows in the mid-50’s.
Arrest Report
From WSB’s Facebook page:
In a stunning turn of events at The Grammys last weekend, rapper Killer Mike, who dominated the rap categories with three wins, found himself in handcuffs at Crypto.com Arena before the live telecast began.
The Atlanta native was detained following an altercation inside the arena earlier in the evening.
Pure freaking humiliation at it's finest. Those 3 grammy awards was most definitely well deserved for him but the backlash of being humiliated and embarrassed on national television was definitely not
Let me reword that for you. Micheal R. Native of Atlanta. Hero and champion of the community, supporter of all that be good in the hood, leader and scholarship of positivity, awarded 3 Grammys for his talent. Yaaay atlanta.
So he got into an altercation with someone and was arrested for battery like some regular guy who just happened to be famous even tho this same thing happens to everyone who's not famous that is unlucky enough to get caught for fighting.
They did this to try and embarrass him after sweeping the Grammys.
Social Media
From the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:
Paulding authorities are still looking for the woman seen on camera backing into the Missionary Baptist Church building in Rockmart, as well as her companion who she brought back to the scene a short time later.
You can send a message via the free Paulding Sheriff mobile app.
This is obviously a mother coming to her daughter’s rescue …..
Aren’t churches about forgiveness?
Probably under the influence of something. Hope she’s found and has insurance to cover the damage
Weird Story
In a bizarre incident in Marietta, a man is facing serious charges after an alleged showdown with invisible foes.
Thirty-seven-year-old Richard West is accused of firing a staggering 127 rounds from a .40-caliber handgun.
But here's the twist – his targets were described as "ninja-like" figures.
The scene unfolded at J & R Cycle Shop, leaving destruction in its wake.
West went on a rampage, demolishing a mini-fridge, a microwave, a desk, a TV, a space heater, and two computer towers owned by Robert Scavone, the shop owner.
West reportedly shot through glass doors, tore down ceiling panels, and even broke a bathroom door off its hinges.
As if that weren't enough, West didn't stop there.
He made off with a stolen motorcycle after the chaos and now facing charges including criminal damage, theft, possession of a firearm during a theft, and reckless conduct.
West remains in custody without bond.
This from the Marietta Daily Journal.
Events
State News
Heartbreaking news from Henry County, as the 8-year-old girl - struck by a car while boarding a school bus - has tragically passed away.
Georgia State Patrol confirms that Adalynn Pierce, while attempting to cross Jackson Lake Road, was hit by a Ford Fusion last week.
Despite being airlifted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta in critical condition, Adalynn succumbed to her injuries.
The incident occurred with the school bus properly displaying its stop sign and red flashing lights, according to Georgia State Patrol.
In connection with the tragedy, 25-year-old Kaylee Andre has been arrested and faces charges - including first-degree homicide by vehicle, failure to stop for a school bus, and failure to exercise due care.
A judge set Andre's bond at $20,000 with driving restrictions.
This from Atlanta News First.
Sports
From the AJC:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight matches in the 2026 World Cup, including one of the semifinals.
PC News
A big round of applause for the champions of this weekend's Paulding County Special Olympics Bowling at Stars and Strikes in Hiram!
Kudos to the Paulding County School District Special Education & Student Services department, turning into expert pizza and drink servers.
It was an event pulled of by the incredible support from Paulding County High School National Honor Society students and the BETA Club students from Harvester Christian Academy.
This from the Paulding County School District.
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