Justin Etienne, Tashshawn Lyons, and Jarvis Hinton Jr. Identified in Senior Skip Day Homicide at Newton County Park: Second Teen Arrested in Fatal Shooting of 18-Year-Old During March 19 Gathering at Denny Dobbs Park

Covington, GA – In a tragic turn of events that unfolded on Senior Skip Day at Denny Dobbs Park on March 19, 2025, 18-year-old Justin Etienne lost his life in a shooting incident that has shocked the local community and left authorities investigating the deadly altercation. Tashshawn Lyons, 17, of Conyers, and Jarvis Hinton Jr., 16, of Covington, have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting, which occurred during an unorganized gathering of high school students celebrating Senior Skip Day. Both teens face multiple charges related to the shooting, including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest of Lyons was confirmed on March 24, 2025. Lyons, a student at Salem High School, was taken into custody after receiving treatment for injuries he sustained while fleeing the scene of the crime. Investigators have revealed that Lyons’ injuries were not life-threatening, and he is currently being held at the Newton County Detention Center. Lyons’ charges include murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a minor, and reckless conduct.

This arrest comes just days after the arrest of Jarvis Hinton Jr., a 16-year-old student from Newton High School, who was apprehended on March 21, 2025. Hinton faces the same charges as Lyons, which include murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The shooting, which occurred around 5 p.m. on March 19, 2025, has raised significant concerns about youth violence and the unsafe practices involving firearms among minors.

The Tragic Incident at Denny Dobbs Park:

The incident began to unfold around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, when Newton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting a shooting at Denny Dobbs Park in Covington. The gathering, originally meant to be a day of fun and relaxation for local high school seniors, quickly turned into a violent confrontation that would ultimately claim the life of Justin Etienne.

Upon arriving at the park, deputies discovered Justin Etienne, who had been shot and was in critical condition. Etienne, a beloved student from the area, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The community was left reeling as news of the tragic death spread quickly, sparking an outpouring of grief from friends, family, and classmates of Etienne.

Conflicting Witness Statements and the Investigation:

As the investigation into the shooting progressed, authorities uncovered that several students who had been present at the scene provided misleading statements to law enforcement. Initial witness testimonies falsely suggested that Etienne had been involved in a physical altercation before the shooting, which led investigators down a misleading path. Some students implied that Etienne had been involved in an argument or altercation with the suspects, but after further investigation, authorities confirmed that he had been an innocent bystander when the shooting occurred.

Investigators faced significant challenges as they worked to piece together the true events of that afternoon. In the absence of reliable witness accounts, law enforcement officials relied on various investigative tools, including executing search warrants, gathering critical physical evidence, and piecing together surveillance footage. The investigators’ relentless efforts eventually led to the identification of the two suspects, Tashshawn Lyons and Jarvis Hinton Jr., who were arrested in connection with the shooting.

Tashshawn Lyons and Jarvis Hinton Jr.:

The suspects in the case, both of whom are teenagers, have had their lives permanently altered by their involvement in this tragic incident. Tashshawn Lyons, the 17-year-old from Conyers, is a student at Salem High School. Authorities indicated that Lyons suffered injuries while fleeing the scene and was hospitalized prior to his arrest. He is now facing a range of serious charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The fact that Lyons was a minor at the time of the shooting has added complexity to the case, highlighting concerns over the accessibility of firearms to young people and the growing trend of youth involvement in violent crime.

Jarvis Hinton Jr., the second suspect, is a 16-year-old student at Newton High School. Hinton was arrested on March 21, 2025, and has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The fact that both of the accused teenagers are enrolled in local high schools and were reportedly among the students who gathered at Denny Dobbs Park has shocked the community. In the wake of the shooting, local leaders and parents have expressed deep concern about the increasing involvement of teens in violent crime and the risks posed by unregulated firearm possession.

The Impact on the Community and High School Students:

The shooting at Denny Dobbs Park has sent shockwaves throughout the Covington community, particularly among high school students who had been part of the Senior Skip Day gathering. The event, which was meant to be a time for students to unwind and enjoy their final days of high school, ended in tragedy, leaving students, parents, and school staff to grapple with the consequences.

In the wake of the shooting, Newton County schools have been working closely with law enforcement and local leaders to provide support for students and families affected by the violence. School counselors have been made available to provide emotional support, and parents have been urged to talk to their children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of conflict resolution. Additionally, many parents have expressed a desire for greater security measures at local parks and more comprehensive gun safety education for teenagers.

The Investigation Continues:

As of March 24, 2025, the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and follow up on leads. Deputies are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the shooting and are focused on uncovering any possible motives behind the violence.

Detectives have noted that the case is complex, due to the conflicting witness statements and the involvement of several individuals at the scene. Some students have reportedly refused to cooperate with investigators, complicating the process of piecing together the events of that afternoon. However, authorities remain committed to seeking justice for Justin Etienne and ensuring that those responsible for his death are held accountable.

As of now, both Tashshawn Lyons and Jarvis Hinton Jr. are being held in custody, with their cases set to be presented before a judge in the coming weeks. The community is left to mourn the loss of a young life and hope that, through continued investigation and justice, answers will be provided for the tragic death of Justin Etienne.

A Call for Change:

In the aftermath of the shooting, community leaders have called for increased efforts to prevent gun violence and ensure that young people are not exposed to the dangers of firearms. Local organizations and advocacy groups have begun organizing discussions and town halls focused on how to keep teenagers safe and reduce the accessibility of weapons among minors.

While the investigation continues, the tragic events at Denny Dobbs Park have sparked a broader conversation about youth violence, gun safety, and the need for stronger measures to protect the lives of young people in the community. With the arrests of Lyons and Hinton, the case has brought these issues to the forefront, and many are now asking how to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

As the community continues to mourn the loss of Justin Etienne, the pursuit of justice for his death remains a priority for law enforcement officials. The hope is that, through their ongoing efforts, the truth behind the shooting will be uncovered, and those responsible for taking the life of this young man will face the full weight of the law.