DEKALB
A 19-year-old driver and an 8-year-old passenger were killed Monday afternoon in a wreck involving a tanker truck and a minivan on I-575 in Cobb County, according to police.
Investigators believe Abraham Fernandez-Zuniga, of Acworth, was driving a red 2001 Chrysler Town and Country minivan northbound on I-575 when he crossed the median and went into a southbound lane, Officer Mike Bowman with Cobb police said Monday night.
“As the Chrysler entered into the southbound lanes, it was struck in the driver’s side by the commercial truck,” Bowman said in an emailed statement.
Fernandez-Zuniga and an 8-year-old passenger, whose name was not released, both died at the scene, Bowman said.
Supreme Court agrees with contempt ruling against lawyer
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday upheld a DeKalb County judge’s decision to hold lawyer Herbert Adams Jr. in contempt for failing to be prepared for a murder trial.
In July 2011, Superior Court Judge Mark Anthony Scott halted Michael Blaine’s trial on its third day and, after convening a contempt hearing, fined Adams $500 for not being ready. On Monday, the state Supreme Court said it found sufficient proof to uphold Scott’s contempt finding. Blaine was convicted during a subsequent trial in 2012. -Bill Rankin
Stone Mountain to host spring music show
Stone Mountain will host a two-day music festival Saturday and Sunday on Main Street in its historic downtown. The Blue Grassroots Music and Arts Festival will feature local bands, street jams, dancing and local food trucks, as well as more than 150 artists from around the region. Information: www.stonemountainvillage.com. -April Hunt
Jury selection begins for serial rape suspect
Between October and November of 2011, prosecutors say Gary Windale Mincey, 36, followed his victims home from various locations in DeKalb County, threatened their lives, robbed them and then sexually assaulted them. Mincey is charged with aggravated sodomy and robbery by force, along with multiple counts of rape, aggravated sexual battery, aggravated assault, and armed robbery. Jury selection began Monday in his trial. Two victims were attacked after they left the Publix supermarket on Flakes Mill in south DeKalb, unofficially earning Mincey the moniker of the “Publix Rapist.” A third woman, he allegedly followed home from the Stone Mountain night club near the McDonald’s restaurant where he worked, and two other women prosecutors say he identified at a lounge on Glenwood Avenue in Decatur. Mincey is said to have threatened his victims with either a gun, a knife or a Taser, or a combination of the weapons. -Marcus K. Garner
Decatur school chief concerned about Beacon Hill delay
Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards admits concern over delay in the Beacon Hill complex’s redevelopment. Originally slated to break ground in January, the project probably won’t begin until sometime next month. With the system’s central office scheduled to move from Westchester to Beacon Hill by May, 2014, Edwards’ now considering an interim site for city schools, which she said would cost $200,000, not counting moving costs of $100,000 for having to relocate twice. The system’s new Beacon Hill office will cost $5.9 million. -Bill Banks for the AJC
Neighborhood Watch program Thursday
Neighborhood and community leaders interested in starting or boosting a Neighborhood Watch are invited to a workshop Thursday in DeKalb. County Police leaders will address what organizers need to start a group, as well as offer resources for success. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday 3/21 in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur. Information: 404-371-3689. -April Hunt
COBB
2 killed in Cobb wreck
A 19-year-old driver and an 8-year-old passenger were killed Monday afternoon in a wreck involving a tanker truck and a minivan on I-575 in Cobb County, according to police. Investigators believe Abraham Fernandez-Zuniga, of Acworth, was driving a red 2001 Chrysler Town and Country minivan northbound on I-575 when he crossed the median and went into a southbound lane, Officer Mike Bowman with Cobb police said Monday night. “As the Chrysler entered into the southbound lanes, it was struck in the driver’s side by the commercial truck,” Bowman said in an emailed statement. Fernandez-Zuniga and an 8-year-old passenger, whose name was not released, both died at the scene, Bowman said.-Alexis Stevens
YWCA names woman of the year
The YWCA of Northwest Georgia has named Marietta Trolley founder Cassandra Buckalew as 2013 Woman of the Year for leadership in the community. Buckalew also started Marietta Pedicabs. The annual Women of Achievement tribute Friday at the Cobb Galleria Center recognized 15 women for professional and community leadership. -Tucker McQueen
Cobb recognizes leaders in diversity
The Cobb Community Relations Council will hold the third annual Creating Community Awards Dinner 6:30 p.m. March 21 at the Cobb Safety Village. The awards recognize leaders in fostering diversity and community cooperation. The deadline for reservations is March 18. Info: ccrc.cobbcountyga.gov. -Jaime Sarrio
Driver safety course shows law changes
Changes in the law for teen drivers put parents squarely in the passenger’s seat, requiring a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult to affirm that the candidate for a permanent driver’s license has completed 40 hours (six at night)of supervised driving experience.
Most parents don’t feel prepared, or don’t know what to do, to supervise a new teen driver behind the wheel. But their involvement is key to reducing teen crashes and fatalities.
A free course designed to fill the void will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 15 at the Powder Springs Police Department. Registration is required. Information: www.cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/View/2199. -Andria Simmons
Water conservation event scheduled
Cobb County Water System and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority will observe National Fix-A-Leak Week with a free event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in front of the customer service facility at Cobb County Water System, 660 South Cobb Drive, Marietta. “Saving Water Cobb Day” is aimed to educate residents on indoor and outdoor water conservation. Free and open to the public.
Information: www.waterSmart.net. -Mea Watkins
Association names ‘Principal of the Year’
The Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals recently named Robbie Hooker, principal of Clarke Central High School, its Georgia Principal of the Year. Hooker has been principal of Clarke Central since 2008. The school has been recognized by The Washington Post’s High School Challenge and the Georgia Department of Education for its academic achievements. Hooker was one of six finalists. -Daarel Burnett II
GWINNETT
Woman’s conviction upheld in husband’s murder
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday upheld the murder conviction against a Gwinnett County woman who killed her husband after lacing his supper with sleeping pills.
Ashley Suzanne Schutt was found guilty of the July 25, 2009, murder by a jury that rejected her assertions she killed her husband, Greg Schutt, in self defense.
Prosecutors said after Schutt fell asleep in the master bedroom, his wife struck him repeatedly with a hammer and stabbed him more than three dozen times. -Bill Rankin
Wood Acres Boulevard closed through Friday
On Monday, Gwinnett DOT began completion of pipe replacement at Wood Acres Boulevard near Howell Ferry Crossing in Duluth resulting in the need to close the road. Repairs should take approximately one week with the road reopening by Friday. Use caution and observe warning and detour signs in this area. Questions: 770-476-1790. -Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Family displaced by Sunday fire
Three adults and one child were displaced Sunday after a fire broke out in their home in the 1500 block of Gabriel Drive in Lawrenceville.
A resident called 911 around 11:30 p.m. and reported hearing a pop behind the stove shortly before a fire started in the kitchen. There were no injuries, but the fire caused fire, smoke and water damage throughout the home before Gwinnett County fire crews brought it under control around midnight. -Andria Simmons
Chamber of Commerce names CEO
Daniel J. Kaufman is stepping down as president of Georgia Gwinnett College to become CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Kaufman officially will take the helm July 1 and be responsible for overall leadership, management and direction of the 2,700-member organization located in Duluth. -Michael Alpert for the AJC
Free healthy habits for kids class
Gwinnett Medical Center’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center will hold a Healthy Habits interactive class on nutrition and activities to help kids form healthy lifestyle choices. The class will include valuable information on how to help kids avoid the early onset of many weight-related diseases. This free class is 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Glancy Campus in Duluth. Space is limited. Registration required. Information/ reservations: 678-312-6040 or email LVergis@gwinnettmedicalcenter.org -Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn police to offer gun safety seminar
The Lilburn Police Department will host a Firearm Safety Seminar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, with location to be announced. Topics will include gun safety, gun laws, home defense weapons and alternative weapons information. Citizens need not bring anything to the class. Gun locks will be provided free of charge to attendees. Register by emailing Training Coordinator Sgt. Tim Allen at tallen@cityoflilburn.com. -Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth teen killed in single-vehicle wreck
Peter Ian Roberts, 17, of Cumming, died in a single-vehicle crash around 12:35 a.m. Saturday, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Roberts was westbound on Ga. 306 when investigators believe he crossed into the eastbound lane, over-corrected and crashed into a mailbox on the driver’s side of the vehicle, GSP said.
lcohol was not a factor in the wreck, GSP said.
Roberts was a senior at Forsyth Central High School and worked part-time at Stars and Strikes, according to his Facebook profile. -Alexis Stevens
Body pulled from Lake Lanier
A body located in Lake Lanier was identified Monday as that of a missing DeKalb County boater.
George “Marty” Counts, 47, of Tucker, had been missing since Feb. 11, when his empty boat was spotted going in circles near Bald Ridge Creek, the state Department of Natural Resources previously said.
Counts was an avid fisherman and was believed to be operating his boat that evening. The boat ran out of gas and was on the bank when rangers arrived, the DNR said.
Counts was not located during the initial search, which lasted several days and involved various agencies.
Sunday morning, two fishermen spotted a body in the Little Ridge area of the lake in Forsyth County, according to Melissa Cummings, DNR spokeswoman. The body was recovered around 9:30 a.m. and transported to the GBI Crime Lab, where an autopsy was conducted Monday.
-Alexis Stevens
Bond referendum set Tuesday in Canton
Canton voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide on a bond issue aimed at improving the city's fire service. It's a proposal to issue up to $6 million to finance up to three new fire stations, renovate the downtown station and acquire fire vehicles. The bonds would be paid back using a 20- year increase in property taxes. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: voter.cherokeega.com. -Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Canton reservoir opens this weekend
Grand opening of Canton’s Hickory Log Creek Reservoir near the intersection of Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road is 9 a.m. Friday. Stocked with bass, brim, crappie and catfish, the 411-acre reservoir can host canoes, kayaks and electric boats, but not gas motor boats or sailboats.
The parking area will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day and 8 a.m to 5 p.m. otherwise. Cost: $5 per vehicle. Information: 770-704-1500. -Michael Alpert for the AJC
Vendors for farmers market sought
Applications to vend at Johns Creek’s summer farmers market at Newtown Park are due April 1. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 1 to Sept. 7. Fee: $25. Information: Kirk Franz, 678-512-3200, Kirk.Franz@JohnsCreekGA.gov. -Michael Alpert
Educator of the Year nominations sought
Keep Roswell Beautiful is accepting nominations for its annual Educator of the Year Award. Nominees should be public or private school teachers in Roswell and demonstrate exemplary efforts in environmental education or beautifying the city. Submit a one-page Microsoft Word document detailing: your name and relationship with the nominee; the nominee’s name, school, grade and subject taught; and a description of the nominee’s accomplishments, including why he/she deserves the award.
Nominations are due April 12. Email your nomination as an attachment to Vicki Culbreth at vculbreth@roswellgov.com. -Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Student’s murder conviction upheld
A former Morehouse College student’s murder conviction has been upheld by the Georgia Supreme Court.
Tyrell Campbell, then a seventh-year senior, shot and killed Gary Paul Francis, who had let Campbell stay at his house after the computer science major was evicted from his apartment. Shortly before the 2005 killing, Francis and his girlfriend got in a fight with Campbell after they accused him of stealing Francis’ clothes, the ruling said. -Bill Rankin
Suspect arrested for Buckhead bank robbery
A suspect was arrested Monday in the late-morning robbery of the Fifth Third Bank in the 3300 block of Peachtree Road.
Police said a suspect taken into custody a few minutes later on Rumson Road just off Peachtree Road had been identified by the bank manager as being the man suspected of robbing the bank. The suspect’s name was not immediately available. -Mike Morris
Jail: Fulton inmate commits suicide
Jail staff found Reuben Boye-Owusu unresponsive in his cell Thursday night, apparently from having hanged himself, a Fulton County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said.
He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He’d been arrested in August 2012 on simple assault charges and was put on probation on Jan. 10, just 10 days before his arrest for gun possession, according to jail records. -Marcus K. Garner
Cops: Hit-and-run driver kills bicyclist
Walter Amey, 54, of Atlanta, was on a bike on Abner Place, not far from his home, around 9 p.m. Sunday when he was hit, according to police.
Officers initially believed Amey had been shot, but after examining Amey at the scene, paramedics determined that the man’s wounds were consistent with being struck by a vehicle and dragged.
Amey was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. -Alexis Stevens
SOUTHSIDE
Stepmother’s murder conviction upheld
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday upheld the murder conviction against Charlott Lynett Reaves of Stockbridge for the 2003 beating death of her 11-year-old stepdaughter Joella.
The ruling comes two weeks after the court upheld the murder conviction against Joella’s father, Rodney Reaves, who was tried separately.
The couple left the girl in their garage for hours at a time as punishment and, according to the medical examiner, Joella died from trauma to almost every area of her body. -Bill Rankin
Bond denied for carjacking suspects
Two men accused of taking a businessman hostage and brutalizing him after carjacking his vehicle were denied bond Saturday after appearing before a Clayton County judge.
Frederick Anderson and David Stark, two of five men suspected in the attack earlier this month, will appear before another Clayton judge on April 2.
Police said the man was ambushed outside of his business, forced into his vehicle, taken to an ATM, forced to withdraw money, then driven to a second location where he was beaten so severely he required hospitalization.
“Why kick you in the face? Hit you upside the head?” the victim asked Channel 2. “You know, they’re just mean.”
Aanyone with information should call 770-473-5400. -Christopher Seward
J. C. Booth wins state Science Olympiad
Peachtree City’s J. C. Booth Middle School recently won its 14th state Science Olympiad championship. The team, coached by science teacher Tammy Pakulski, will be one of two Georgia schools among the 60 teams competing at the National Science Olympiad on May 17 at Wright State University in Ohio.
Booth has gone to the national competition 19 times before, and placed third last year. -Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Bill would prevent Fulton tax hike
Fulton County Commission could not raise property taxes until 2015 and would need a supermajority of its members to do so thereafter under a bill introduced in the General Assembly last week.
State lawmakers already are considering a proposal to double Fulton’s property tax homestead exemption. That would mean tax relief for thousands of homeowners, but county officials say it would force cuts to libraries and other popular services.
The new bill, sponsored by Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, would prevent commissioners from raising tax rates to make up the revenue lost because of the higher homestead exemption. -David Wickert
Kedron center’s pools to be resurfaced
With funding now approved by the City Council of Peachtree City, the pools at the Kedron Aquatic Center will soon be resurfaced. The job was awarded to ACE Pools for an amount not to exceed $50,000, which was already budgeted from an existing facilities bond. The pools are scheduled to close March 11-31 for the resurfacing, which was last done in 2006. -Jill Howard Church for the AJC
