NEWTON COUNTY, GA – Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon at Denny Dobbs Park.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) confirmed that an 18-year-old male, identified as Justin, succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
The shooting took place between approximately 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. at the park, which was a gathering location for students participating in Senior Skip Day.
Reports indicate that students from two Rockdale County schools and one Newton County school had initially met at a park in Rockdale before relocating to Denny Dobbs Park.
It is unclear at this time whether the victim was a student.
The NCSO has not yet identified any suspects or determined a motive for the shooting. The case is now being treated as a homicide.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing first responders assisting potential victims, but the full scope of the incident remains under investigation.
As a precautionary measure, nearby Oak Hill Elementary School was placed on lockdown following the shooting.
The lockdown was lifted later in the evening, and students in the after-school academic program were dismissed at 6:00 p.m.
Authorities have assured the public that this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.