Newton County Deputies Investigating Fatal Shooting at Denny Dobbs Park

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred at Denny Dobbs Park on March 19, 2025.

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the park just before 5 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that 18-year-old Justin Etienne of Conyers had sustained a gunshot wound. Etienne, a student at Salem High School, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The shooting occurred during a large gathering of students from Newton and Rockdale County schools as part of Senior Skip Day. Authorities believe the incident was isolated between the suspect and the victim, and there is no evidence suggesting gang involvement. No other injuries were reported.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to contact Investigator Dunston at 678-625-1589 or Lt. Bill Watterson at 678-625-1419. Anonymous tips, videos, and social media posts can be submitted via anonymoustipline@newtonsheriffga.org or crimeanalyst@newtonsheriffga.org.

Sheriff Ezell Brown extended his condolences to Etienne’s family and expressed gratitude to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Analyst Unit for their ongoing efforts. Investigators worked overnight conducting interviews and executing search warrants and continue to pursue leads.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is receiving assistance from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and its School Resource Officer Unit as the investigation continues.