Christopher Brayden Jones, 23, from Calhoun, Georgia, has been charged with Capital Murder for the death of Marcus Adam Battles, which occurred on April 10, 2025, in Mentone, Alabama. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) issued a Capital Murder warrant for Jones on May 1st. He is currently held at the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia on unrelated charges but will be extradited to DeKalb County, Alabama, to face the murder charge once his issues in Georgia are resolved.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 2, 2025:
Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the potential for damaging wind gusts and hail up to quarter size. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for the region, urging caution during peak thunderstorm activity. Today’s forecast includes a slight chance of showers early, transitioning to a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. The skies will be partly sunny with a high near 83 degrees. Winds will shift from light south to southwest at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is currently estimated at 30%. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely to continue, primarily before 3 AM. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a low around 60 degrees. A south wind will be blowing at approximately 5 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 60%, with anticipated rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half of an inch. Looking ahead, the risk of thunderstorms persists throughout the weekend, with **Saturday posing the greatest threat for severe weather.** Saturday’s forecast predicts a chance of showers and thunderstorms, evolving into showers and possibly thunderstorms after 8 AM. Some of these storms could produce heavy rainfall. Temperatures will be cooler, with a high near 72 degrees. South winds will blow at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is high at 90%, with expected rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch.
Here are the latest health inspection scores from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the last half of April, 2025:
Christopher Martin Roberson, 36, was arrested and charged with criminal interference with government property after allegedly breaking a glass window in a holding cell at the Chattooga County Jail on Monday. According to the arrest report, a Chattooga County Deputy was notified of the incident by jail personnel. Upon arriving at the booking area, the deputy observed the broken window and warned Roberson that he would be placed in a restraint chair if he continued to damage the property or posed a threat to himself. The report states that Roberson disregarded the warning and continued to strike the glass. At that point, officers Freeman and Collins were instructed to assist in placing Roberson in the restraint chair. The process was reportedly completed without further incident. Following the restraint, the jail nurse recommended that Roberson be placed on suicide watch. Officers were instructed to remove him from the restraint chair once he had calmed down.
As May arrives and the allure of beaches, lakes, and sun-soaked adventures beckons, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition (NWGRCC) is reminding residents to prioritize sun safety during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The organization is urging individuals to take proactive measures to protect their skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer as they enjoy the outdoors. This message comes amidst ongoing debates about the potential harm of both excessive sun exposure and certain chemicals found in sunscreens. “There’s been much discussion lately about which is more detrimental, the sun itself or the chemicals in some sunscreens,” explains Erin Hernandez, President and CEO of the NWGRCC. Despite these concerns, Hernandez emphasizes the importance of using appropriate sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays. She also recommends limiting time spent outdoors, seeking shade whenever possible, and wearing protective clothing. The NWGRCC offers support for individuals seeking skin cancer screenings. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the organization directly at (706) 291-9809. By taking proactive steps to protect our skin, we can all enjoy the beautiful weather of May while minimizing the risk of skin cancer.
A four-day online undercover investigation, “Operation Lights Out,” led by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, resulted in the arrest of 19 people on various charges, including human trafficking.
A Summerville resident reported the theft of a bicycle to the Summerville Police Department on Monday, according to police reports. Brenda Stoker contacted authorities to report that her grandson’s bicycle was stolen from her residence on Ramey Street. Stoker provided a detailed description of the stolen bicycle to the responding officer. The bicycle is described as a Kent Ambush BMX. She was also able to provide the serial number of the bicycle to aid in its recovery. The incident has been turned over to an investigator with the Summerville Police Department for further investigation. Anyone with information regarding the stolen bicycle is encouraged to contact the Summerville Police Department
A Northwest Georgia woman, Vickie Long, age 45 of Ringgold, was sentenced to 30 years, with 15 to be served in confinement, on March 6, 2025, after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the exploitation of her elderly mother. Long entered a non-negotiated guilty plea for one count of exploiting an elder person, one count of identity fraud, and one count of theft by taking.
Five individuals are facing a multitude of animal cruelty charges following a shocking discovery made during a house hunting trip in Walker County. James Delbert Fields, Jr. (78), Miriam Fields (65), Mario Lopez (42), Melodie Lopez (40), and Britni Fields (20) have each been charged with 13 counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
