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Sheriff Brown expresses condolences following death of Gavin Campbell
Ezell Brown
Sheriff Ezell Brown
Special to The Covington News
Published: Jun 1, 2020, 12:58 PM

JACKSON, Ga. — Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown expressed his condolences following the announcement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirming the death of Gavin Campbell, age 19, of Covington.

“I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Gavin Campbell,” said Sheriff Brown. “My thoughts are with you during this time of loss. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.”

On Thursday night, May 28, Newton County deputies initiated a traffic stop, which turned into a high-speed chase to Hickory Point Drive in Jackson, Ga. Campbell exited vehicle and fled on foot into Jackson Lake. Officers made an attempt to rescue Campbell.  

Throughout the night, the Georgia State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Butts County Sheriff’s Office, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Butts County Fire and Rescue Dive Team attempted to locate Campbell. The rescue attempts were not successful.

At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, Campbell’s body was found. 

An autopsy will be conducted by a GBI Medical Examiner, according to the GBI news release. The news release added the DNR will investigate the death of Campbell; the GBI is investigating what led to the death.
Sheriff’s Office seeks help identifying suspected arsonist
arson suspect ncso
The suspect is believed to be a young Black male who is pictured wearing a pastel t-shirt, dark pants and white shoes. - photo by Courtesy of the Newton County Sheriff's Office
Kate Verity
Published: Mar 13, 2025, 8:24 PM

NEWTON COUNTY — The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NSCO) is seeking the community’s help in identifying and gaining information regarding an arson suspect. 

According to the NCSO, on Friday, March 7 at around 2:30 p.m., the pictured individual is believed to have deliberately started a fire at the Silos Clubhouse.

The NCSO is requesting that residents of the Ellington Community check their cameras during the Friday afternoon time frame. Videos can be emailed to alberto@newtonsheriffga.org.

If anyone has any information regarding the case, including recognizing the suspected arsonist, call Investigator Alberto at 678-625-1429.

There is no information currently available about the fire itself or any damage it may have caused. The Covington News has reached out to the NCSO and Newton County Fire Services for more information regarding the incident.