NEWTON COUNTY, GA — Authorities are searching for a suspect following a deadly shooting at Denny Dobbs Park on Wednesday evening.

Newton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the wooded area of the park on Highway 212 around 5 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim identified as 18-year-old Justin Etienne of Conyers suffering from a gunshot wound.

Etienne was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. He was a student at Salem High School.

According to Newton County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Caitlin Jett, investigators are actively working to identify and locate the suspect. “Yes, we are still looking for a suspect. Our investigators are working very hard to locate the suspect,” Jett said.

Authorities are reviewing security footage from cameras at the park and are seeking potential witnesses who may have seen the suspect at the time of the shooting. Denny Dobbs Park is a popular spot in Newton County, and Jett acknowledged its frequent use, stating, “It’s not unusual for people to be at the park.”

The shooting occurred when a large group of students from Newton and Rockdale County schools to celebrate Senior Skip Day.

Denny Dobbs Park is located across the street from Oak Hill Elementary School. Fortunately, the shooting occurred approximately two hours after students had been dismissed for the day. Despite the ongoing investigation, authorities assure the public that there is no immediate threat to the community as preliminary evidence suggests the incident was isolated between the suspect and the victim.

Parents are encouraged to speak with their children to determine if they were present during the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Dunston at 678-625-1589 or Lt. Bill Watterson at 678-625-1419. Anonymous tips, videos and social media posts can also be submitted via our tip line at anonymoustipline@newtonsheriffga.org or crimeanalyst@newtonsheriffga.org.