NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Three suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder of an 18-year-old in Newton County, the sheriff's office said.
According to the Newton County Sheriff's Office, 19-year-old Tirell Tommie of Covington, 19-year-old Israel Richardson of Covington and 19-year-old Savion Walker of Covington were arrested in connection to the July 21 murder of Da'Menica Roddy.
All three are facing charges of murder, three counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm and false statements or writings. They are currently being held at the Newton County Detention Center.
Tommie and Richardson were arrested on Aug. 21, whereas Walker was arrested on Aug. 23. According to an incident report, law enforcement responded to a hospital on July 21, where they discovered that there were three victims in this crime: two men and one woman who were in a car at 11230 Highway 36. The men said that an unknown vehicle pulled up next to them in the parking lot of that location and shot at their car. When the shooting stopped, they realized the woman had been shot and drove her to the hospital.
Newton County Sheriff Brown said the arrests reflect their continued commitment to justice and safety in the community.
"Our thoughts remain with the Roddy family during this difficult time," Sheriff Brown said. "We hope these arrests provide some sense of closure as they begin the healing process. We stand with them, and we continue to support them during this time."
Who was Da'Mencia Roddy?
According to an online obituary, Da'Mencia will be remembered for her love for others and infectious smile. She was a social butterfly, always willing to help others, and loved to encourage people through music, dancing and self-care.
She was a 2024 graduate of Newton High School in Covington and planned to attend Savannah State University in the fall.
Her family called her "Boom," and friends knew her as "Meni."
"Da'Mencia will forever be our shining light in the darkness, the brightest star in the galaxy and the breath of fresh air in our lives," the obituary read.
She was born on June 10, 2006, in Gary, Indiana and was the seventh child out of 10 siblings.
