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Police arrest third Newton County Schools student on terroristic threats charges
Crime - LOCAL
Evan Newton
Updated: Sep 10, 2024, 9:32 PM
Published: Sep 10, 2024, 6:30 PM

NEWTON COUNTY – For the third time in less than a week, a student has been arrested for making terroristic threats.

The student, identified as a 11-year-old male from the Newton County STEAM Academy, was arrested on Sept. 10 for making verbal threats toward students and staff, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the news release from the NCSO, the threats were made on Aug. 2 and Sept. 5. The NCSO – who made the arrest – was informed on Sept. 10 by Newton County Schools (NCS). The 11-year-old is being charged with terroristic threats and acts and was taken to the Juvenile Court System.

It is not clear of the nature of the threats.

This is the third instance in the last week where a student has been arrested.

First on Sept. 6, it was announced a 13-year-old Eastside High School student was arrested on Sept. 5 on terroristic threats and acts charges. According to an incident report the student claimed he was “going to be the next school shooter.” 

This student was suspended for ten days and a hearing will be conducted as to whether or not he will return to school.

A second student was arrested at Clements Middle School on Sept. 6. The 12-year-old male reportedly told statements that he “was going to shoot up the school,” according to an incident report.

In both instances, the students were transferred to a juvenile detention facility.

NCS sent the following statement to The Covington News.

“Since last week’s tragic events in Barrow County, Newton County Schools (NCS) has experienced a rise in threats directed at our schools. Local law enforcement has arrested three NCS students for making threatening remarks, and each will face disciplinary action in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. The district is working closely with law enforcement and will maintain full cooperation as investigations continue. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and we will keep the community updated with any developments concerning school safety."

Additionally, superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III issued a letter to the public, which can be found here.
Newton County jury finds Covington man guilty of felony murder
Shane Robinson
Shane Robinson - photo by Courtesy of the Newton County Sheriff's Office
Kate Verity
Published: Mar 31, 2025, 9:15 PM

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.