I have spent over 17 years in law enforcement, working everything from traffic stops to complex criminal investigations in Florida and Georgia. I see one dangerous misconception pop up constantly: the idea that a victim can simply “drop the charges” in a family violence case.
Let me be clear: this is a myth. Understanding Georgia law can save you from a felony charge or a lifetime loss of rights.
The reality of family violence laws
In Georgia, once a warrant is signed or an arrest is made, the victim is merely a witness. The State of Georgia is the plaintiff. This means the prosecutor—not the victim—decides whether to move forward. Most jurisdictions follow a “no drop” policy. Even if a victim begs to dismiss the case or refuses to testify, the state can (and often will) proceed based on evidence like the 911 call, police body camera footage, and officer testimony.
The trap of ‘making up’
Here is a real-life example I have seen too many times. A couple gets into a fight, police are called, and the husband is arrested for family violence. The judge sets a bond with a “no contact” order. A week later, they cool off. The wife texts him, “I’m sorry, come home.” He goes back, thinking everything is fine.
This is a trap. The “no contact” order is a court order, not a suggestion from the victim. The victim does not have the authority to override a judge. If that husband goes home, he can be arrested for aggravated stalking. In Georgia, this is a felony. It does not matter that she invited him; he violated the judge’s order.
Battery vs. simple battery
People often confuse these charges. Simple battery is intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or causing physical harm. If you shove a stranger in a bar, that is simple battery.
Family violence battery is the exact same act, but the relationship changes the charge. If you shove your spouse, child, or someone you live with, it becomes family violence battery. The penalty is stiffer. A second conviction for family violence battery is a felony, whereas a second simple battery is usually still a misdemeanor.
By the numbers
Family violence remains a critical issue in our state. According to recent reports from the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, reported incidents increased by 12% from 2023 to 2024. In 2024 alone, agencies received over 42,000 reports of family violence. These are not just numbers; they represent families in crisis in our own neighborhoods.
Losing your rights
A conviction for family violence changes your life forever. Under federal law, anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence creates a permanent prohibition on possessing firearms or ammunition. I have seen hunters and enthusiasts stunned to learn they can no longer own a gun because of a misdemeanor plea they took years ago to avoid jail time.
Temporary protective orders
A temporary protective order (TPO) is a civil order that offers protection to victims. It is separate from the criminal case. Violating a TPO is a crime in itself. These orders can evict you from your home, give temporary custody of children to the other parent, and force you to pay support—all before a criminal trial even happens.
If you are involved in a family violence situation, understand that the “myth” of dropping charges is just that. The system is designed to proceed without the victim’s permission to ensure safety. Educate yourself and your community, because ignorance of these laws is never a defense.
Resouces
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For support, shelter, and legal advocacy, click on the links below for your specific region. Each agency typically covers specific counties, so look for the one that serves your location.
Immediate 24/7 Statewide Assistance: If you are unsure who to call, start with the Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836). They can route you to the nearest shelter or agency.
Georgia forward Kanon Catchings reacts after a 3-pointer during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama, Tuesday, March. 3, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Celebrating a win that surely locked up their second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, the Georgia Bulldogs could afford to chuckle at Kanon Catchings delivering a Globetrotters-type pass to go along a career-best scoring night.
Catchings knocked down seven 3-pointers and finished with 32 points, but the highlight of a 98-88 victory over No. 16 Alabama might’ve been his behind-the-back pass that set up a thunderous slam by Somto Cyril.
“I had to laugh about it because coach (Mike White) gets on us all the time in practice for throwing behind-the-back passes,” said Smurf Millender, who added 12 points and made two huge 3s down the stretch. “I wish I could’ve seen coach’s face when he threw that pass.”
“It worked this time, so he can’t say much,” Catchings chimed in with a sly grin.
Indeed, White had no complaints after Georgia’s biggest victory of the season, which ended Alabama’s eight-game winning streak.
“That was one of those ‘No! No! No! Great pass,’” White quipped. “We’ll laugh about it tomorrow.”
While Catchings was the undisputed star of the night, this was certainly a team effort for the Bulldogs (21-9, 9-8 Southeastern Conference) in their final home game of the season before a raucous sellout crowd.
Georgia controlled the boards 40-30, dominated the paint with a 40-18 scoring edge, and finished with a 25-9 lead in second-chance points. Blue Cain chipped in with 16 points, Kareem Stagg had 10 and Cyril grabbed 10 rebounds.
“That was a high-level college basketball game,” White said. “Both teams just made shot after shot. It was rockin’ in there. Alabama had some big responses to our made shots, and we had some big responses to their made shots.”
While most projections already had Georgia making the 68-team NCAA field, White told his team afterward that they undoubtedly locked up their spot with a sixth victory over a Quad 1 team.
He’s looking forward to a longer run than last year’s one-and-done effort, which ended quickly with a 21-point rout by Gonzaga.
“I think the SEC is gonna get a bunch of teams in,” White said. “I think a bunch of teams from the SEC are gonna be dangerous. If we continue to improve and ride this momentum, I think we can be one of those teams.”
The Bulldogs will certainly be a threat to advance if Catchings can continue to play like he did against the Crimson Tide.
The sophomore forward, who transferred to Athens after spending his freshman season at BYU, scored 20 points before halftime and sparked a 12-0 run that gave Georgia a lead it never relinquished to the Crimson Tide (22-8, 12-5), despite repeated runs by a team that had not lost in more than a month.
“I go into every game with the mindset that I’ll have a game like that,” Catchings said. “My teammates are always telling me to shoot the ball, even when I don’t feel like I’m shooting well. The first couple of 3s I took missed for me, but I just kept shooting the ball.”
This is rather rare territory for a school that is far more known for its storied football program.
Georgia has posted its most regular-season wins since 2001-02, and this marks only the third time in school history that the Bulldogs have reached 20 wins in three straight seasons. Presuming the NCAA berth is forthcoming, it will mark only the fourth time they’ve made back-to-back appearances.
The next step is winning an NCAA game for the first time in 24 years. Since then, they’ve made only four appearances in the Big Dance, going down in their opening game each time. They haven’t gotten past the first weekend since 1996 under Tubby Smith.
“Hopefully,” White said, “we can continue to grow this program and grow this fan base.”
Candidates for U.S. Senate from Georgia from left, top: Congressman Buddy Carter, Congressman Mike Collins, bottom: Derek Dooley, Sen. Jon Ossoff. (Ross Williams and Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder)
(Georgia Recorder) — The race is on for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat this week after the major candidates from both parties officially signed up to run.
On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is seeking to defend the seat he won in a tight 2021 runoff.
Ossoff is the only Democratic senator up for re-election this year in a state won by President Donald Trump in 2024, so his seat is considered a prime target for Republicans and a must-win for Democrats who want a chance of flipping the Senate.
He’ll face off in November against the winner of May’s GOP primary, where the top dogs are Congressmen Mike Collins and Buddy Carter along with former football coach Derek Dooley, who entered the race with the endorsement of Gov. Brian Kemp.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, rallies supporters in Atlanta on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (Julia Beverly for the Georgia Recorder)
In the dollars race, at least, Ossoff is the clear leader, according to quarterly fundraising totals released at the start of the year.
Ossoff raised nearly $10 million in the last three months of 2025, ringing in the new year with more than $25 million cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters outside the state Capitol after qualifying Monday, Ossoff sought to tie his opponents to Trump.
Ossoff laid out a litany of criticisms against Trump’s policies, blaming him for rising costs, a lack of affordable health care and the recently launched war in Iran.
“The president was dancing at his beach club the same night he ordered air crews to launch into combat and hours before our service members endured missile salvos,” Ossoff said. “But our Constitution reserves for Congress, not for him, the decision to go to war.”
Ossoff accused the three Republican candidates of being willing to do anything Trump wants.
“These midterms will be among the most consequential in American history. Because if there were ever a moment that called for checks and balances, this is it. And my opponents have already made clear they will be Donald Trump’s puppets,” Ossoff said.
A three-way GOP race
A Trump endorsement would likely provide a major boost in the primary, but the president has not endorsed any candidate in the race.
Congressman Mike Collins (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
Collins is seeking to frame himself as the frontrunner on the Republican side A Real Clear Politics average of polls conducted between July and February has Collins at the head of the GOP pack with a nearly 12-point advantage over Carter and about 19 points over Dooley.
Collins raised just under $825,000 in the last part of 2025 and started out January with $2.3 million.
Speaking to reporters while flanked by supporters at the Capitol Tuesday, Collins focused his fire on Ossoff, seeking to characterize him as an out-of-touch liberal elite.
“We feel good about where we sit in this race,” he said. “This is an important election coming up in the midterms because we have a U.S. senator that does not represent the state of Georgia, the people, or the values of Georgia. I mean, when you think about this, Jon Ossoff is basically California’s third senator.”
Collins offered support for the attacks on Iran, referring to them as good, surgical strikes that prevented American deaths and are not likely to lead to blowback.
He also played it cool about the lack of a Trump endorsement so far.
“The president has always had the impeccable ability to put his name on someone at the right time to get the most bang for his buck,” he said. “People of this state understand who I am though. They understand that I am an America First MAGA candidate. They also understand that I know how to get things done in Washington, D.C., for the future.”
Congressman Buddy Carter talks to reporters after qualifying on Monday, March 2, 2026. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)
But speaking to reporters after qualifying Monday, Carter said he’s the true MAGA torchbearer.
“We need to make sure that we replace Jon Ossoff, and in order to do that, you got to have the right candidate, the person who can win,” he said. “And we’re that candidate. We’re the one who has supported President Trump and his America First policies, and we’re the one who’s going to continue to do that.”
Carter has expressed support for the Iran war in interviews, saying on CNN that Trump “has saved millions of lives in the future” by launching the attack.
Carter reported bringing in $1.7 million in his latest filing, which includes a $1 million loan from his own wallet, and reported a war chest of $4.1 million at the start of January, the highest on the GOP side. He said hard work and ground game will be key to a Carter victory.
“We’re all over the state,” he said. “I can tell you nobody’s going to outwork us, and we have been throughout the state. We continue to do that, and we’ll do that all the way up to the very last minute, getting the word out. And the word and the momentum is spreading.”
(Derek Dooley Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
Dooley entered the race with the blessing and support of Kemp, a popular Republican governor whose relationship with Trump has been rocky in the past.
Dooley raised a little more than $1 million in the fourth quarter and reported $2.1 million on hand at the start of the year.
Speaking to reporters after qualifying on Tuesday, Dooley sought to contrast himself as a political outsider.
“It’s going to be very easy to distinguish between me and the other two guys in the race,” he said. “I’m not a part of the political establishment. I’m not a part of what’s going on in Congress that I think frustrates the American people. And I’m offering voters here an opportunity to send somebody to DC that’s going to put them first.”
Dooley also expressed confidence in the Trump administration’s ability to deal with the war in Iran without getting the nation bogged down in a protracted war.
The former University of Tennessee football coach and son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley said he had spoken with the president about a potential endorsement.
“I had a wonderful meeting in the Oval Office, and obviously, everybody would be honored to have President Trump’s endorsement,” he said. “But the most important endorsement is the people of Georgia’s endorsement, and that’s really what my focus has been the last seven months, and certainly, it’s the most important focus here going forward in the next two months.”
Nora Levada Eller Palmer, 80, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family.
Nora was born April 14, 1945, to Margaret and Theodore McKinley “Mack” Eller and spent her life rooted in the mountains and community she loved. She graduated from North Habersham High School and later attended Piedmont College. Nora was known for her gentle spirit, strong faith, and the caring way she looked after others. Taking care of family was simply who she was.
She devoted herself to her husband, Howard, faithfully caring for him during his long illness, and she continued that same steady love with her children and grandchildren. Nora found joy in her garden and flowers, but her greatest happiness came from time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was always a place of comfort, kindness, and welcome.
Survivors include her son, Bruce Palmer, of Mt. Airy; sisters, Sarah Eller, of Clarkesville; Stella Ward, of Clarkesville; brother, Horace Eller, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Mack, Eric, Nathan, James, Stacy, Lisa, Chauncey, Shane, Brett, Trina, Marsha, Billy, Pam; several great-grandchildren as well as great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Howard Palmer; step-sons and their spouses, Robert Palmer, Clyde and Judy Palmer, William “Billy” and Betty Jean Palmer; brother, Lawrence Eller; sister-in-law, Nedra Eller; and grandson, Bobby.
Nora will be remembered for her quiet strength, her kindness, and the love she gave so freely to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion and care that will continue through the generations she helped raise.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Dr. Kenneth Franklin as well as family and friends officiating. A Private Family Inurnment will be held at the VFW Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VFW Post 7720 Building Fund, 174 Cornelia Crossing Shopping Center, Cornelia, Georgia 30531
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535, Telephone: 706-778-1700.
BALDWIN, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has confirmed an active investigation into a City of Baldwin employee. Sources close to the matter have identified the suspect as the city’s staff accountant, Whitni Davis, following an unusual incident involving a high-value real estate transaction.
Details of investigation
For weeks, reports have circulated regarding an internal probe at Baldwin City Hall. Today, new details emerged alleging that Davis attempted to leverage her position and access to city accounts to acquire a $1.7 million home. According to sources, Davis used city financial accounts to appear to be her own personal assets when making an offer on the property.
The investigation further reveals that Davis allegedly went so far as to post earnest money using these city-linked accounts to secure the deal.
The “Prank” Defense
When confronted regarding the alleged illegal use of municipal accounts for a private real estate transaction, Davis reportedly claimed the entire situation was a “prank.” However, she has not specified who the prank was intended for or how the unauthorized use of public funds served that purpose.
Official response
When asked about the prank investigation, Baldwin Police Chief Chris Jones said, “The case is under active investigation and has been turned over to the GBI for follow-up.”
On February 11, the Baldwin Police Department asked the GBI to “investigate an incident involving a City of Baldwin employee,” according to Sara Lue, Director of Public and Government Affairs.
While the City of Baldwin’s official website still lists Davis as the “staff accountant,” sources confirm she has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. Now Georgia made several attempts to reach out to Davis for a comment, with no response.
This news is a significant blow to the city’s administration, marking the second investigation into city personnel in recent days. As first reported by Now Georgia, an investigation is currently underway into the recent rash of resignations by Baldwin police officers.
On Tuesday night, the Baldwin City Council spent over an hour executive session following its regular meeting to discuss personnel and litigation.
Now Georgia asked Baldwin Mayor Doug Faust for details on the GBI’s investigation.
“No comment,” Faust said. “That’s a personnel matter and I have no comment.”
FILE-The Clarkesville City Council. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Clarkesville City Council unanimously approved a new $10 municipal court technology fee Monday night and signaled it is not ready to commit to a countywide fire consolidation effort that could reshape emergency services across Habersham County.
Technology fee approved
The council approved a resolution requesting local legislation to authorize the $10 fee, which will be added to fines processed through Clarkesville Municipal Court.
Police Chief Danny Clouatre said the fee is permitted under Georgia law and is available to most courts under Title 15 of state code.
“There’s a provision that’s available under Title 15 that allows municipal court — well, it allows most all courts — to impose a $10 technology fee onto fines that are collected or disposed of through the court,” Clouatre said.
The funds cannot be used for general operations and must be held in a separate account, he said. They are restricted to technology-related expenses for the court or police department.
“They will be specifically for the court — any kind of software or programming-wise for the municipal court, or reporting software for the police department,” Clouatre said. “There’s specific guidelines, and it has to be held in a different account, so it just can’t be put into general funds.”
The resolution will now be forwarded to state Rep. Victor Anderson, who will introduce the local legislation in the Georgia House. If approved by the General Assembly, the fee could take effect later this year.
“If we can get it done before the fifth or sixth, we can get it through this year’s cycle,” Clouatre said.
The move mirrors similar technology fees adopted by other municipal courts across Georgia as local governments seek to modernize court management and reporting systems without relying solely on property tax revenue.
Councilwoman Angelia Kiker said she feels consolidation of fire departments wouldn’t be the right move for Clarkesville. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
Fire consolidation discussion
Earlier in the evening, council members discussed a recent countywide presentation outlining potential consolidation of fire services among Habersham County’s municipalities.
The discussion follows the recent agreement between the City of Demorest and Habersham County to consolidate fire services — a move county officials and consultants have described as a potential model for broader consolidation.
Consultants have said expanding consolidation could improve efficiency and potentially lower the county’s ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating, which affects homeowners’ insurance premiums. County officials have indicated they are aiming for a countywide ISO rating of 3.
Councilmembers Brad Coppedge and Angelia Kiker attended the county presentation and shared their impressions.
Coppedge said the county is not currently at an ISO 3 and suggested Clarkesville could play a critical role in reaching that target.
“Clarkesville is kind of that deciding factor of whether they can actually get the county from, I think around a five somewhere to three,” Coppedge said. “We seem to be that magical area that they’re looking for.”
However, he noted Clarkesville operates with one of the lowest fire budgets among municipalities and may not have a strong financial incentive to consolidate.
“There’s not a large amount of incentive to make the move,” he said, recommending the city “sit tight” until more information becomes available about how the county proposal would ultimately be structured.
Kiker said she did not see a clear benefit for Clarkesville based on the initial presentation.
“Our ISO rating currently is three, and that keeps our insurance rates low,” Kiker said. “I don’t think it would be a good move for residents, unless there’s something major that comes out.”
Clarkesville currently maintains an ISO rating of 3, which can result in lower insurance premiums for property owners.
No action was taken on fire consolidation Monday night. Council members indicated they plan to monitor the county’s efforts and review additional information before considering any formal proposal.
The discussion underscores Clarkesville’s cautious approach as Habersham County explores restructuring fire services countywide following the Demorest consolidation.
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch seen in mug shot following his arrest for DUI on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (Hall County Sheriff's Office)
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Newly released records from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reveal Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch’s blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit when he was arrested for driving under the influence last week.
A state trooper took Couch into custody on Feb. 27 after Couch was pulled over in his driveway by his own chief deputy. The state trooper charged the career law enforcement officer with driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane, and possession of an open container.
According to Hall County Sheriff’s Office radio traffic, GSP was called to the scene regarding a “DUI” and was asked to respond “ASAP.”
GSP report provides new details
Head told the responding trooper that he and Hall County Sheriff’s Capt. James Alexander were going to pick up Couch’s county vehicle due to the sheriff having “some alcohol issues.” On their way, they noticed a black Chevrolet Tahoe turn off of Dawsonville Highway, failing to maintain its lane and driving “all over the roadway.” However, Head said he was unable to conduct a traffic stop because his vehicle is not outfitted with emergency equipment.
At some point, Head said he realized the vehicle they were following was possibly the sheriff’s. The Tahoe pulled into Couch’s driveway, and Couch exited the vehicle. Head told troopers the sheriff smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet, dropping his phone and money he had with him.
Sheriff tells troopers about his morning
In the report, GSP Sgt. Hedden reported detecting a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting” from Couch’s breath. When asked about the incident, Couch allegedly stated he had been drinking and that he had “screwed up.” Couch admitted to drinking “Locos,” referring to Four Loko, and said his last drink was at approximately 8 a.m.
Sheriff Couch reportedly denied having any open containers in his vehicle and reportedly consented to performing a standardized field sobriety test.
Field evaluations reveal level of intoxication
During the evaluation, Hedden said he observed Couch swaying and noted “a lack of smooth pursuit” during the sheriff’s eye test, formally referred to as the horizontal gaze nystagmus evaluation. Couch, who said he was an instructor for the evaluation, reportedly stopped following the officer’s finger multiple times.
Hedden reported that the remaining evaluation could not be performed due to cracks in the pavement, wet ground, and an uneven surface.
A preliminary breath test reportedly yielded a result of 0.212, well over the .008 legal limit for drunk driving. While being arrested, Couch allegedly appealed to the state trooper, “Please do not do this,” as Hedden notified dispatch that Couch was in custody.
Vehicle search results in additional charge
A search of Couch’s county-assigned vehicle revealed “two 24-ounce Bahama Mama alcoholic beverages in the second row,” both of which were open with liquid still inside. Couch reportedly told the trooper he “did not have to charge him for the open containers.”
The report stated that, while being placed in the back of the trooper’s vehicle, Couch said, “My goodness, 43 years,” referring to his law enforcement career. He then reportedly asked the trooper not to take him to jail.
Trooper Hedden arrested Couch at 12:21 p.m. and transported him to a fire station, where EMTs drew the sheriff’s blood to test his blood alcohol content.
Couch was later booked into the Hall County Detention Center on a $1,560 bond and released to Maj. Smith. According to the sheriff’s office, Couch posted bond and was released from jail six hours later.
Toccoa Police have charged 58-year-old Stephen Pittman with rape and four other charges following a months long investigation. (Stephens County Sheriff's Office)
TOCCOA, Ga. — A Toccoa man has been arrested following what police described as an extensive and in-depth investigation into a reported sexual assault.
After months of investigative work, evidence collection, interviews and forensic testing, 58-year-old Stephen Pittman of Toccoa was taken into custody and charged with rape, two counts of sexual battery and two counts of exploitation of a disabled person, according to the Toccoa Police Department.
Police said DNA evidence submitted for forensic analysis was critical to the case. The results confirmed the suspect’s involvement and led to the issuance of warrants and his arrest.
Investigators examined all available evidence to ensure a thorough and complete investigation, the department said. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and to protect the victim’s privacy, authorities declined to release additional identifying information.
Toccoa Police Chief Bruce Carlisle said sexual assault cases are among the most serious and emotionally difficult crimes investigators handle.
“This case reflects the dedication and persistence of our investigators,” Carlisle said. “Sexual assault cases are among the most serious and emotionally difficult crimes we handle. We are committed to standing with victims and using every tool available — including advanced forensic technology — to hold offenders accountable. No victim should ever feel alone or unheard.”
The department encouraged anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault, regardless of when the incident occurred, to report it. Police said victims will be treated with dignity and respect and that every report will be taken seriously.
Colin Gray, father of suspected Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, seen handcuffed in court on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, after a jury found him guilty on all counts. (Screenshot)
(GPB News) – Colin Gray, the father of suspected Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, has been found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and multiple counts of reckless conduct and cruelty to children.
The jury reached a unanimous verdict in just under two hours.
The jury started deliberating on Tuesday morning, after more than two weeks of witness testimony and evidence from the shooting.
Prosecutors with the Barrow County District Attorney’s office spent nine days laying out a multifaceted case against Gray.
They called teachers, students, medical workers, and law enforcement to the stand to testify, painting a picture of Sept. 4, 2024, and the lingering physical and mental harm done to the community.
The state also called for testimony from Colin Gray’s own family. His estranged wife, Marcee Gray, and daughter Jenni Gray testified against him.
Marcee Gray said she was aware of son’s fascination with Parkland shooter Nicholas Cruz, and she told Colin to lock his guns in his truck to keep them away from Colt.
Colin Gray’s defense attorney, Brian Hobbs, maintained that Colin had no knowledge that his son was planning to commit a school shooting, and Marcee had a greater awareness of their son’s obsession.
She also said she self-medicated Colt by cutting her Zoloft prescription into pieces.
In the weeks before the shooting, Marcee Gray made searches in reference to the parents of Ethan Crumbley, who were charged with manslaughter after their son carried out a school shooting in Oxford, Mich..
She also made specific searches about safe gun storage laws in the state of Georgia.
Defense attorneys noted Marcee’s strained relationship with her family.
Separately, Colin Gray made several searches for gun safes, but according to prosecutors, he never purchased one.
Jenni Gray, Colt’s younger sister, also testified on the stand that Colin directed her to lie to law enforcement in an initial interview. She alleged that Colin was more aware of Colt’s mental health issues than she had initially indicated.
But in cross-examination, Jenni Gray told the court that she was happier in her current foster home, and understood that if her father was convicted, she’d have a better chance of staying with them permanently.
Colin Gray took the stand in his own defense, he was the only witness to be called by defense attorneys.
He testified for more than an hour, emphasizing the difficulty of raising three kids on his own, and ultimately claimed he never could have seen this coming.
In cross-examination, prosecutors drilled Gray for three hours about inconsistencies in his testimony.
After the Tuesday conviction, Gray’s attorneys are likely to appeal, setting up a lengthy legal battle for Georgia’s higher courts to determine a balance between parental responsibility and criminal negligence.
Former U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said this verdict could radically change the way the state of Georgia handles criminal prosecution.
“I think that may have broader ramifications than people hearing this case were thinking about,” Moore said.
Moore said the law is headed in an uncertain direction without clear legislation written to dictate charging and sentencing guidelines. He made a comparison with a parent who buys an unruly 16-year-old a car, as an example.
“Will that parent now be responsible, criminally, for essentially putting a vehicle weapon into the hands of their child, should that child then kill somebody in a car?” Moore said. “Is the parent also to be responsible for vehicular homicide?”
Moore said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Colin Gray case end up before the Georgia Supreme Court.
“This is sort of where the slope of the law is headed, when you basically say that somebody can be responsible for a third party’s conduct when they’re not part of some type of criminal scheme or conspiracy,” Moore said.
Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. (U.S. Army)
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four of the six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.
They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.
Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.
“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.
All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.
“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.
Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.
“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.
Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.
“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you,” Joey Amor said. “She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”
Andrew Coady and his daughter Keira, right, talk about his son, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, outside their home, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in West Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Coady’s LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.
He said he had learned how to “interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.
Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.
Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.
“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.
Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.
There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.
Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.
“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”
President Donald Trump meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday he “might have forced Israel’s hand” in launching the war on Iran that has already cost the lives of six American troops.
Trump’s statement came less than a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters the United States joined the campaign to protect American troops after Israel’s planned strike.
“We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first,” Trump told reporters. “… and I didn’t want that to happen. So if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand, but Israel was ready, and we were ready, and we’ve had a very, very powerful impact, because virtually everything they have has been knocked out.”
Trump made the comments prior to a bilateral White House meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as lawmakers on Capitol Hill scrambled to understand the sudden war.
Merz said Germany is “on the same page in terms of getting this terrible regime in Tehran away” — though administration officials have maintained the conflict is not about regime change, but rather about destroying Iran’s conventional missile stockpiles and production, and thwarting any nuclear ambitions.
Iran has launched numerous missiles and drones since the killing Saturday of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes have caused damage across the Middle East, including to the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia Tuesday, The Associated Press reported.
During a previously scheduled hearing Tuesday to question Undersecretary of Defense Policy Elbridge Colby on the administration’s national defense strategy, Senate Democrats pressed for the justification for war with Iran.
Sen. Angus King, an independent of Maine who caucuses with Democrats, homed in on Rubio’s statements Monday that the U.S. joined the war to preempt retaliatory attacks on American troops in the region, following Israel’s planned strikes on Iran’s leadership compound. Earlier, administration officials said U.S. intelligence was heavily involved in planning Israel’s offensive.
“I find it very disturbing that we’re committing this nation to war based upon a decision by … a staunch ally, and I’m a supporter of Israel,” King said. “I don’t think anybody should drive our decision to go to war, but the interest of the United States.”
“The president made our decision,” Colby replied.
GOP falls in line
Congress, meanwhile, is poised to vote this week on a War Powers Act resolution that has drawn limited Republican support to stop Trump’s unilateral military actions in Iran without congressional authorization.
Lawmakers are largely split along party lines in their support for the military action, with Republicans falling in line behind Trump.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters Monday the measure will likely fail in the House. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is the lone Republican sponsor of the House version of the legislation.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., defended the administration’s initiation of war in Iran and chastised “grandstanding” allegations that Trump broke the law in not first seeking congressional authorization.
“This is the first president in seven presidencies that actually did something about the thorn that constantly came after us. And now you criticize him, you say it’s illegal. It’s not,” Mullin said Tuesday during the Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing.
“How about we say, ‘thank you, Mr. President, for finally getting rid of this nuisance, this murderer, this sponsor of terror,’” Mullin said.
Virginia’s Kaine says GOP ‘nervous about voting for a war’
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., lead sponsor of the Senate’s War Powers Act bill, criticized Mullin for suggesting “that the angst on this side of the aisle is because we don’t like President Trump.”
“He has misstated that concern. I think I can speak for most of my colleagues who have concerns, and say our concern is this, have we learned nothing from 25 years of war in the Middle East?” Kaine said.
Kaine said during a brief interview that Republicans who support Trump’s war in Iran should put an Authorization for the Use of Military Force, or AUMF, on the floor to formally give it Congress’ stamp of approval.
“And the fact that there has been a reluctance to put AUMFs on the table tells me that while Republicans don’t want to be contrary to the president, they’re also nervous about voting for a war,” Kaine said. “If you’re nervous about voting for the war, well then, think what that says to the troops who are risking their lives. That anxiety should lead you to question whether it’s a good idea or not.”
Kaine said the 2001 AUMF, which Congress wrote somewhat broadly following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is still in effect, doesn’t cover Trump’s military actions in Iran.
“The president has not cited that,” he said. “And we all agree that Iran was not covered by the ‘01 AUMF. It was meant to cover non-state terrorist groups, not sovereign nations.”
Lawmakers were set to receive closed-door briefings on the war from administration officials later Tuesday.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., criticizes Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — Republicans on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee mounted unusually blunt criticisms of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a tense five-hour hearing Tuesday, with North Carolina’s Thom Tillis threatening to obstruct the chamber’s business if Noem did not answer questions from his office about immigration enforcement.
Tillis even revisited a book written by Noem in which she famously detailed shooting a pet dog as well as a goat, comparing her actions in that instance with drawing too-hasty conclusions in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
The oversight hearing was Noem’s first appearance on Capitol Hill since the months-long immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, during which agents of her department killed the two citizens and the surge was later scaled back amidst a national uproar.
Tillis, a Republican who is retiring rather than seeking reelection this year, focused his critique on Noem’s handling of immigration, while other GOP members raised separate concerns. At times, he raised his voice.
“We expect exceptional leadership and you’ve demonstrated anything but that,” Tillis said. “What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership. What we’ve seen is innocent people getting detained that turn out are American citizens.”
He castigated Noem for not admitting her mistake in labeling Renee Good, a poet and mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse, as domestic terrorists. Good and Pretti both died in January from gunshots fired by federal immigration agents.
Tillis called for Noem’s resignation, and threatened that if she did not answer multiple questions submitted by his office, he would hold up en bloc nominations that come to the floor and deny quorum in Senate committees. Tillis’ absence from committee markups could grind those panels’ work to a halt, pausing nominations and party line bills.
Democrats on the panel questioned Noem about the Minneapolis operation, racial profiling by immigration officers that has led to the arrests of U.S. citizens, and whether immigration agents will be at polling locations in the midterm elections.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is sworn in before she testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Noem largely stood by her decisions, and, when she was grilled by senators about the aggressive tactics by her immigration agent, she pivoted to the families behind her, known as angel families, who have had loved ones killed by an immigrant in the country without legal authorization.
“These poor angel families behind me will never have their children again, that’s one of my motivations every day,” Noem said.
Republicans John Kennedy of Louisiana and Josh Hawley of Missouri quizzed Noem on a $220 million advertising contract and the slow response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for reimbursements and disaster assistance.
The dog and the goat
Tillis did not ask Noem any questions. Instead, for his full 10 minutes allocated for questions, he said he was giving her a “performance review,” during which he expressed multiple frustrations.
He criticized her handling of the operation in Minnesota.
“The fact that you can’t admit to a mistake, which looks like, under investigation, is going to prove that Miss Good and Mr. Pretti probably should not have been shot in the face and in the back,” Tillis said.
After Pretti’s death, President Donald Trump instructed Tom Homan, the White House border czar who reports directly to the president and operates outside of DHS’ chain of command, to take over operations in Minneapolis.
Tillis told Noem that he read her book, in which she details how she shot and killed a 14-month-old dog named Cricket for bad behavior. She also revealed she killed a goat for similar reasons.
“You decided to kill that dog because you had not invested the appropriate time and training, and then you have the audacity to go into a book and say it’s a leadership lesson about tough choices,” Tillis said.
He also took issue with the goat.
“If you don’t castrate a goat, they behave badly,” he said.
“My point is, those are bad decisions made in the heat of the moment, not unlike what happened up in Minneapolis,” he said, referring to how quick Noem was to label Pretti and Good as domestic terrorists.
Slow FEMA relief
Tillis pointed to how a policy Noem started at FEMA, in which she must personally approve any contract that is more than $100,000, has led to delay in his state that is still reeling from Hurricane Helene in 2024.
“This is what incompetent FEMA leadership looks like,” he said. “People are hurting in western North Carolina from the most significant storm they’ve ever experienced.”
Tillis said Noem had “failed at FEMA” and that he believes she is violating the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that he said “expressly prohibits the secretary of Homeland Security from restricting or diverting FEMA resources from the agency’s mission.”
Hawley also brought up an issue with FEMA.
He said following multiple deadly tornadoes in his state, FEMA was helping fund debris removal. Local officials have estimated roughly 10,000 homes qualify for the removal aid, but “some of the conditions that have been placed on the funds by FEMA mean that only (100) or 200 homes out of those 10,000 can actually get access to FEMA debris removal funds.”
Noem said she would work with his office to address that issue.
Advertising contract
Kennedy questioned Noem about her decision to award a no-bid contract for her ad campaign that costs $220 million. A ProPublica investigation found that Noem awarded the contract to the husband of former DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
“Look, we all have friends who are qualified, I’m not quibbling with that,” Kennedy said. “It troubles me, … a quarter of a billion dollars in taxpayer money when we’re scratching for every penny and we’re fighting over rescission packages, I just can’t agree with.”
Noem said she was not involved in approving the contract.
‘They should be alive today’
Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar slammed Noem for the aggressive immigration enforcement operation in her state.
“Two of my constituents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed,” she said. “They should be alive today.”
Klobuchar asked Noem how many federal immigration officers are still in Minneapolis. The Trump administration sent more than 2,000 agents, dwarfing the city’s local police force that stands at roughly 600 officers.
Noem said about 650 immigration agents are still in the city.
Klobuchar told Noem that she spoke to the parents of Pretti.
“When I spoke to Alex’s parents, they told me that you calling him a domestic terrorist… (was) one of the most hurtful things they could ever imagine was said by you about their son,” Klobuchar said.
She asked Noem if she wanted to apologize to Pretti’s parents for calling him a domestic terrorist.
“I did not call him a domestic terrorist, I said it appeared to be an incident of domestic terrorism,” Noem said.
Shutdown and Iran questions
Tuesday was day 17 of a partial shutdown of DHS. Senate Democrats forced the shutdown after the shootings of Good and Pretti.
The department is also now dealing with additional cybersecurity and counterterrorism risks after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran.
Though Congress has not passed a fiscal 2026 funding bill for DHS, the department has a separate funding stream, from the tax cuts and spending package Republicans passed last year, to continue immigration enforcement. Nearly all of the department is considered essential, so its employees are continuing to work, some without pay.
In the days following the Trump administration’s decision to launch an attack on Iran, senators pressed Noem on what security preparations the agency is taking amid the shutdown.
Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley of Iowa said he was concerned about potential terrorism due to the war in Iran. He asked Noem how she was vetting immigrants and intercepting potential acts of terrorism.
Noem blamed the Biden administration for concerns of terrorism and said the agency was re-vetting all refugees and Afghan allies who fled to the U.S. after the Biden administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“We are re-vetting some of the individuals and some of the programs that we may have concerns about, looking at social media, also going through those interviews that are necessary for some of our programs that the Biden administration abused and perverted under their time,” Noem said.
Republican of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham asked Noem if she thought the threat level to the U.S. was up or down when it came to terrorism from Iran.
Noem said it was up.
Graham has been vocal in his push for the ousting of the current Iranian government.
“We’re engaged in military action against the mothership of terrorism, Iran, which I hope will sink pretty soon,” Graham said.
Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, the top Republican on the appropriations panel that funds DHS, asked Noem what the implications of her agency being shut down are.
Britt raised concern about the shooting in Austin, Texas, over the weekend that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.
“We’re continuing to do that work and will every single day, but we need funding to make sure that all of our law enforcement agencies have the tools they (need) to bring them to justice,” Noem said.
Elections
Ahead of November’s midterm elections, Democrats have raised concerns the administration would send immigration officers to polling locations.
Noem said Tuesday that elections were up to the states to run, but was evasive when asked to rule out sending DHS agents to monitor polling places.
Sen. Chris Coons asked Noem if she would issue a directive telling ICE agents to not be at election sites.
Noem didn’t answer the Delaware Democrat’s question but asked, “Do you plan on illegal aliens voting in our elections?”
It’s already illegal for a noncitizen to vote in a federal election and has only rarely happened.
Trump is pushing for Congress to pass a law to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
