MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 26th
Publish Date: Jan 25th
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From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, February 9th, and Happy 81st Birthday to singer Carole King.
***02.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – CAROLE KING***
I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
BREAK: CU OF GA
STORY 1: 18-Year-Old Driver Charged in Crash That Killed Pope High Student
An 18-year-old driver, Oliver Luis Roman, from Powder Springs, was arrested following a fatal car crash on Jan. 9 in Woodstock. The crash resulted in the deaths of two teens, Gabriel Escandon, 17, and Esteban Cortez-Rendon, 18. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office reported that the Mazda 6, carrying five occupants, left the roadway and hit a tree. Roman and two other teens were injured. Speed was identified as a contributing factor. Roman, a student at Hillgrove High School, faces charges including vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, and license violation. He is currently in custody without bond at the Cherokee County jail.
STORY 2: Marietta Man Survives Gunshot to Head in Attempted Robbery at Motel 6
A Marietta man, Garrett Osteen, was shot in the head during an attempted robbery while dropping off a friend at a Motel 6 on Delk Road on Jan. 14. Five armed individuals, linked to a recent carjacking at Kennesaw State University, demanded money from Osteen and his friend Willie Ruffin. Osteen attempted to drive away but was fired upon, sustaining a head injury. Remarkably, Osteen recovered quickly and provided witness testimony the following day. Four suspects are in custody, with one juvenile outstanding. The arrests, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, are part of a larger crackdown on a series of carjackings and robberies. Collaboration between agencies and advanced technology have facilitated swift communication and coordination in combating crime.
STORY 3: Teens Charged With Bringing Guns to Pebblebrook High School
Two Mableton teenagers, Malik Ta’Veon Watkins, 18, and Heaven Marrow, 17, were arrested for bringing handguns, one of which was stolen, to Pebblebrook High School on Jan. 31. Watkins allegedly concealed a loaded Glock 44 handgun in Marrow's backpack to evade detection by staff. Both face charges including felony carrying weapons within a school safety zone and felony theft by receiving firearm. Marrow was arrested on-site by Cobb Schools Police, while Watkins was apprehended by Cobb County Police later. The school district emphasized adherence to policy and law, highlighting investments in safety measures like Cobb Shield, comprising trained police officers and crisis response systems to protect students and staff.
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Break: GCPS LIVE READ
***GCPS READ***
Hey, Cobb County! Don't forget to add the GCPS Teacher Job Fair to your schedule for tomorrow! Join us on February 10th at 8am at the Gas South Convention Center. This is a golden opportunity to be a part of Gwinnett County Public Schools - Georgia's largest school district and a top employer recognized by Forbes. Whether you're kick-starting your career or seeking a change, your passion for education could find its perfect home with us. Say 'yes' to GCPS, where passion meets opportunity!
STORY 4: Attorneys Accuse DA of Improper Handling of Police Shooting Case
Attorneys representing the family of Devonte Brown, shot and killed by a Cobb police officer in 2021, allege that the Cobb District Attorney’s office failed to present a complete case to the grand jury, which could have indicted the officer, Ian McConnell. Brown was killed after a car chase where he drove recklessly in a stolen vehicle. The DA's office disputes the claims, stating that investigations must be completed before presenting to the grand jury. Body camera footage showed McConnell firing 12 shots as Brown reversed his vehicle into police cars. Despite the grand jury's decision not to charge McConnell, attorneys argue for a special prosecutor and a fair presentation of evidence. The appointment of a special prosecutor would typically be overseen by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of the state.
STORY 5: School Safety Meeting Scheduled in Wake of McEachern High Shooting
Cobb school board member Leroy Tre’ Hutchins has organized a school safety town hall in response to the recent shooting at McEachern High School. Scheduled for Thursday night, the event aims to provide a platform for the community to express concerns and generate actionable solutions for Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and the school board. Notable attendees include Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield and state Rep. David Wilkerson. Hutchins hopes to address ongoing school safety efforts, particularly regarding the recent incidents involving firearms on campus. The town hall, open to all Cobb County residents, will be held at the Vaughn Cultural Arts Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
We’ll be back in a moment.
Break: DRAKE
STORY 6: 'A Bridge Builder': David Hankerson Remembered
Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris honored David Hankerson, the late county manager, at his funeral, recalling him as a respected figure known affectionately as "Mr. H." Hankerson, who passed away on Jan. 25 at 77, was remembered as a pioneering African American leader and the longest-serving county manager in Georgia history. Notable attendees included county officials and community leaders, all paying tribute to Hankerson's impactful legacy. Speakers highlighted Hankerson's leadership, compassion, and commitment to bridging divides within Cobb County. Family members shared personal anecdotes, describing Hankerson as a "savior in a suit" and a resilient figure who tackled challenges with unwavering strength. The funeral service, held at Turner Chapel AME Church, included military honors for Hankerson, a veteran of the U.S. Army.
STORY 7: Boggs: Georgia court system still suffering staff shortages
Georgia Chief Justice Michael Boggs addressed the decline in backlogs of court cases following the pandemic but highlighted ongoing shortages of prosecutors, public defenders, and other court staff. He noted that federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has helped alleviate some staffing issues and upgrade technology in judicial circuits. However, Boggs emphasized the need for legislative support, including passing House Bill 947 to reform judge payment systems and proposed legislation to keep judges' personal information confidential due to increasing threats. Additionally, he mentioned revisions allowing spouses of active-duty service members to obtain provisional law licenses, aimed at increasing legal availability in rural areas.
Break: INGLES 5
Signoff-
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.
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