Latest news with #BarrowCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
GA Sheriff's Assoc. selects Barrow Co. sheriff for statewide honor
The Georgia Sheriff's Association has selected Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith as the 2025 Sheriff of the Year. Sheriff Smith will be honored at the GSA Summer Conference on August 6. The Barrow County Sheriff's Office praised Smith on its Facebook page, saying: 'It's clear our perspective on Sheriff Smith may be influenced by our experiences, yet he consistently demonstrates remarkable leadership, day in and day out, year after year. His dedication to the Barrow County community is unmatched, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life has fostered a sense of trust and respect. Sheriff Smith is not only committed to upholding the law but also ensuring the safety and well-being of every citizen and visitor of our county. His innovative approaches to law enforcement have led to plenty of successful initiatives aimed at improving community relations, reducing crime, and implementing effective crime prevention strategies.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Trump announces travel ban and restrictions on 19 countries set to go into effect Monday Case of mistaken identity ends with young mother killed in alleged Atlanta gang shooting Doorbell camera captures man dragging dog down street in Fulton County [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Possible plea hearing date planned in Apalachee HS shooter Colt Gray's case
The Brief Attorneys for the teen charged in the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School appeared in court on Tuesday for a status hearing. Colt Gray's attorneys say that they are still gathering evidence and are planning to have a psychologist interview the teen. The attorneys have argued that the widespread publicity of the case, and the passionate response it invokes, should be the reason for the trial being moved. BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Attorneys for a 14-year-old boy charged in the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School have asked a judge for more time ahead of a possible plea hearing later this year. At a hearing on Tuesday, Colt Gray's attorneys told the judge overseeing they needed the time to gather evidence and have the teen speak with a psychologist. The backstory Colt Gray is accused of opening fire using a "black semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle" inside the high school's J hall during the second period of class on Sept. 4. Two teachers, 39-year-old Richard Aspinwall and 53-year-old Cristina Irimie, and two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, were killed. Nine others were injured. Investigators later found a notebook they say belonged to Gray that contained drawings eerily matching the events of the school shooting, as well as a checklist outlining steps the teen planned to take. They also reportedly found a "shrine of sorts" behind Gray's computer desk in his home, consisting of approximately 15 photographs and newspaper articles about past school shootings and school shooters. Gray faces 55 charges, including four counts of murder, four counts of felony murder, four counts of aggravated battery, 25 counts of aggravated assault, and 18 counts of cruelty to children in the first degree. His legal team is expected to appear in court Tuesday to request a change of venue. What they're saying Gray's defense attorney asked the court for "some time in October" to discuss a potential plea. He said that he and other attorneys are still doing investigatory work and that a psychologist will be visiting the teen in mid-May. "We should be good to go," the attorney said. The judge agreed that the October timing would work well, adding that it would prevent possible interference with the trial of Colin Gray, the teen's father, which will begin in September. Dig deeper Gray's attorneys have asked for any possible trial to be moved out of Bartow County, saying the pretrial publicity has saturated the community and will bias potential jurors. "The extensive publicity has biased the Barrow County jury pool against Gray. Removal of the case to another county would save Barrow County the money and time it would have spent trying to impanel an impartial jury from a biased jury pool," the motion read in part. "Removal of the case to another county would enhance Gray's chance at securing a fair trial." Colt Gray (Barrow County Sheriff's Office) While his attorneys told the court that both sides are "largely in agreement with the venue issue," they have not yet said what the agreement would be. Dig deeper Meanwhile, a separate trial has been set for Colt's father, Colin Gray. A judge scheduled his court date for Sept. 8. Prosecutors allege that the elder Gray allowed his son access to firearms despite being aware of the teen's potential for violence. In April, a judge ruled on a motion by Colin Gray's attorneys asking him to move his case out of the county. While Chief Judge Nicholas Primm ruled that local jurors will not be moved, it has not been determined if jurors from another Georgia county will be used or if the case will be tried hundreds of miles away. SEE ALSO: The Source This article is based on details from Barrow County Superior Court records and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Officer who died just weeks away from graduating police academy laid to rest
A detention officer with a metro Atlanta sheriff's office who died a week ago was laid to rest on Saturday. Officer Braydon Butler died from injuries sustained in an off-duty accident on April 13, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office announced. The BCSO posted the following statement on their Facebook page: 'Today, we celebrate the life of William Braydon Butler. A man whose generous spirit and servant heart touched everyone he knew. Braydon loved to serve God and others first, and his unwavering faith was evident in everything he did. Anyone who knew Braydon knew he was a shining light, always eager to lift others up and bring hope through his kindness and compassion. He truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around him, and he did so effortlessly, with love and humility. Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that Braydon has been welcomed into the arms of our Lord. In true Braydon fashion, even after death, he continues to serve others. His legacy of love, faith, and service will forever inspire us. Rest in peace, Braydon. Your light will never fade, and your spirit will always remain with us." The BCSO said Butler was hired as a detention officer and was on a path to becoming a deputy sheriff. 'Braydon worked hard and was only four weeks away from graduating the Northeast Georgia Police Academy along with several other Cadets but tragically his life ended,' the BCSO said. The Butler family requests donations in memory of Braydon to be made to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office employee fund. Click here to donate. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Driver falls asleep behind wheel, slams into GA deputy's patrol truck GA fisherman ties freshwater fish state record Husband dead, wife critical after armed robbery, shooting in Walton County [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
Officer Who Was Weeks Short of Graduating from Police Academy Dies in Off-Duty Accident
A Georgia man who was only weeks away from his police academy graduation has died, according to the e Barrow County Sheriff's Office. In a Facebook post shared on Monday, April 14, the department announced the death of Officer Braydon Butler following injuries he sustained in an off-duty accident. Related: 2 Veteran Officers Killed, 1 Critically Injured After Car Hits Them on Highway Shoulder: 'Horrific Accident' Butler's association with the BCSO started when he was 14 years old and took part in the department's High School Explorers program. "Braydon graduated from high school here in Barrow County and was hired as a Detention Officer where he started his path to becoming a Deputy Sheriff," officials added. "Braydon worked hard and was only 4 weeks away from graduating the Northeast Georgia Police Academy along with several other Cadets but tragically his life ended." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Speaking with local station AccessWDUN, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said they have retired his number, DC-21, and they are trying to figure out how to posthumously make him a deputy sheriff. Additional details about the accident were not publicly shared by officials. Related: Police Officer and 'Devoted' Father Dies in Crash While Coming Home from Fellow Cop's Funeral Butler was remembered by his colleagues as being a "light to others." 'In true Braydon fashion even after death he is still serving others by saving lives through his organ donations,' the BCSO wrote in their statement. 'We ask that our community please lift up the entire Butler family, friends, and our Office during this difficult time." Related: Third Florida Deputy Dies After Crash Killed 2 Others: 'Mourning the Loss of Another Hero' Meanwhile, Butler's family requested that donations be made in the memory of their loved one to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office Employee Fund, said the department. The Barrow County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional information. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
Officer nearly weeks away from graduating police academy dies in off-duty accident
A metro Atlanta sheriff's office is left with 'heavy and broken hearts' after one of its officers died. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Ofc. Braydon Butler died from injuries sustained in an off-duty accident, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office announced. At just 14 years old, Butler began his law enforcement career through the sheriff's office with its High School Explorers program. Officials said that's where Butler found his passion to serve others. TRENDING STORIES: Georgia Police Academy instructor charged with child molestation 1 dead, 4 in critical condition after crash at busy Atlanta intersection 2 GA officers critically injured after wanted suspect leads law enforcement on high-speed chase The BCSO said Butler was hired as a detention officer and was on a path to becoming a deputy sheriff. 'Braydon worked hard and was only four weeks away from graduating the Northeast Georgia Police Academy along with several other Cadets but tragically his life ended,' the BCSO said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The sheriff's office said anyone who encountered Butler knew he loved to serve God and others first. 'All he ever wanted to do was use his servant's heart to be a light to others as he was anytime you were around him. Although our hearts are broken, we know Braydon was welcomed into the arms of our Lord,' the BCSO said. The Butler family requests donations in memory of Braydon to be made to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office employee fund. Click here to donate.
