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Middle school students arrested for making threats
A trend in student threats continues in Newton County
Crime - LOCAL

NEWTON COUNTY – Two more students face charges for making threats against the safety of schools.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, an 11-year-old male student from Clements Middle School was arrested by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) for making “verbal threats.” The next day on Oct. 24, the NCSO arrested a 13-year-old male student from Liberty Middle School for making threats.

Both students face terroristic threats and acts charges and their cases are being turned over to the Juvenile Court System.

This is just the latest in what has been a disturbing trend of student arrests in the last few months. So far just under a dozen students have been arrested since September on similar charges, with two of the arrests occurring earlier this week.

The NCSO is continuing to release a statement condemning the actions of these students.

Sheriff Ezell Brown urges all students and their parents to understand that any threats or acts of violence will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable,” per an NCSO news release. “He continues to encourage parents and students to be mindful of what they say and do. The Office of the Sheriff works closely with the Newton County School System to maintain a safe learning environment. We encourage everyone to report any suspicious behavior or concerns immediately.”


Newton County jury finds Covington man guilty of felony murder
Shane Robinson
Shane Robinson - photo by Courtesy of the Newton County Sheriff's Office

NEWTON COUNTY – On Monday afternoon, 30-year-old Shane Alexander Robinson of Covington was found guilty of killing Charles Edward Stanley III over three years ago.

The Newton County District Attorney’s Office released that a jury deemed that Robinson was guilty on three charges: Felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

On March 5, 2022, sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight, Robinson shot an AR-style firearm at a vehicle that Stanley was driving along Harvey Wood Drive. According to the District Attorney’s release, Robinson fired the weapon 13 times into the vehicle, killing Stanley.

According to a previous report by The Covington News, an arrest warrant stated that Robinson “grabbed his AR-15 (rifle) and drove” from his home to Harvey Wood Drive to “scare” Stanley.

“When Charles was backing up, Shane admitted to firing several rounds at the vehicle,” the 2022 warrant stated. “Furthermore, Shane also initially stated that he fired rounds at the vehicle as it was driving away.”

Robinson initially faced charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, unauthorized discharge of firearms within 50 yards of the public highway, and reckless conduct. It is not clear if some of these charges were dismissed.

Sentencing is set for a later date, which has not been announced. A co-defendant’s case is still pending.