Justin Etienne Obituary, Death – The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) has identified the victim of a fatal shooting at Denny Dobbs Park as 18-year-old Justin Etienne, a student at Salem High School. The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon, just before 5 p.m., during a gathering of students from Newton and Rockdale County schools for Senior Skip Day.
First responders arrived at the scene and transported Etienne to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed that the shooting happened in a wooded area near the park and was not a drive-by shooting. However, the identity of the shooter remains unknown.
Investigators have determined that this was an isolated incident between the suspect and the victim, with no evidence of gang involvement. NCSO reassured the public that the suspect does not pose an ongoing threat to the community. Contrary to rumors, no other injuries were reported.
The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and its School Resource Officer unit. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Parents of students who attended the gathering are also encouraged to talk to their children.
Anyone with information can 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 NCSO’s tip line at anonymoustipline@newtonsheriffga.org or crimeanalyst@newtonsheriffga.org.
