COVINGTON, GA – A second teenager, 17-year-old Tashshawn Lyons of Conyers, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Justin Etienne during a Senior Skip Day gathering at Denny Dobbs Park last week, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday. Lyons, a student at Salem High School, faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a minor, and reckless conduct, joining 16-year-old Jarvis Hinton Jr. of Covington, who was arrested on March 21 on identical charges. The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, March 19, just before 5 p.m., left Etienne dead after he was struck by gunfire in what investigators now confirm was a case of wrong-place, wrong-time tragedy, with the victim being an innocent bystander caught in a violent altercation between other students.
The Shooting: A Detailed Reconstruction of Events
Senior Skip Day Gathering Turns Deadly
- Denny Dobbs Park, a popular recreational area in Newton County, was hosting dozens of high school students on March 19 as part of an unofficial Senior Skip Day event.
- Witnesses reported a large, rowdy crowd, with some attendees drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, though official toxicology reports are pending.
- Between 4:30 and 4:50 p.m., an argument broke out near the park’s basketball courts, escalating into a physical altercation.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
- At approximately 4:55 p.m., multiple gunshots rang out, sending students scrambling for cover.
- Justin Etienne, who was not involved in the fight, was struck by at least one bullet in the upper body.
- Newton County Sheriff’s deputies arrived within six minutes of the 911 calls, finding Etienne critically wounded on the ground near the pavilion area.
- Emergency medical personnel performed life-saving measures before rushing him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Chaos and Misinformation in the Aftermath
- Initial witness statements were contradictory and unreliable, with some falsely claiming Etienne was involved in the altercation.
- Investigators later determined that he was simply nearby when the shooting occurred, highlighting the dangers of teen gun violence and reckless firearm use.
The Suspects: Who Are They?
Tashshawn Lyons, 17 – The Second Arrest
- Residence: Conyers, GA
- School: Salem High School
- Injuries: Sustained non-life-threatening injuries while fleeing the scene, requiring hospital treatment before being booked into Newton County Detention Center.
- Criminal History: Unknown at this time, but Georgia law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except in limited circumstances (e.g., hunting with supervision).
Jarvis Hinton Jr., 16 – The First Arrest
- Residence: Covington, GA
- School: Newton High School
- Arrest Date: March 21, 2024
- Possible Gang Ties? Investigators are exploring whether the altercation was gang-related, though no official confirmation has been released.
The Victim: Justin Etienne – A Life Cut Short
- Age: Believed to be 17 or 18 (exact age not yet confirmed)
- School: Likely a senior at a Newton County high school (specific school not yet released)
- Family Statement: A relative described him as “a good kid who didn’t deserve this”, emphasizing that he was not involved in any conflict.
- Community Impact: Vigils have been held at Denny Dobbs Park and local schools, with students leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes.
Investigation: How Police Unraveled the Case
Challenges with Witness Testimony
- Multiple students initially lied to investigators, possibly out of fear of retaliation or misguided loyalty.
- Detectives had to cross-reference social media posts (Snapchat, Instagram) to verify timelines.
Forensic Evidence
- Shell casings recovered at the scene matched at least one firearm linked to the suspects.
- Surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses helped corroborate events.
Search Warrants & Arrests
- Hinton was arrested first after witnesses identified him as one of the shooters.
- Lyons was tracked down later, with tips leading to his location despite his attempt to flee.
Legal Implications: What Happens Next?
Charges & Possible Outcomes
- Both teens face:
- Felony murder charges (mandatory life sentence if convicted as adults)
- Aggravated assault (10-20 years)
- Firearms charges (additional 5+ years)
- Will They Be Tried as Adults?
- Given the severity, prosecutors are likely to push for adult court certification.
Broader Impact on Georgia’s Juvenile Justice System
- This case highlights ongoing debates about:
- Stricter penalties for minors with guns
- School resource officer (SRO) presence at off-campus events
Community Reaction & Calls for Change
School District Response
- Newton County Schools issued a statement condemning the violence and offering counseling services.
- Salem High & Newton High held emergency assemblies on gun safety.
Activism Against Youth Gun Violence
- Local groups like Mothers Against Gang Violence are demanding tougher gun laws.
- A petition for park surveillance cameras has gained 1,500+ signatures.
Conclusion: A Preventable Tragedy?
While the investigation continues, Justin Etienne’s death underscores the deadly consequences of teen gun access and impulsive violence. Whether justice is served depends on court outcomes—but for his family, the loss is irreversible.
Funeral arrangements are pending. A GoFundMe has been set up for Etienne’s family.
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