Conviction in December 2023 Salem Road Walmart Shooting:

Yesterday, July 17, 2025, a Newton County jury found David Ruffin, Jr. guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Tampering with Evidence, and Criminal Trespass. After the jury returned that verdict, they continued deliberating on additional charges. However, during the juries deliberation on those charges, the Defendant pleaded guilty to the offenses of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon During a Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

David Ruffin

On December 30, 2023, an employee of the Salem Road Walmart in Covington got into an altercation with Ruffin's mother. Ruffin became involved and then assaulted and shot the Walmart employee. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report the shooting that occurred in the parking lot. At trial, the Defendant claimed that he was acting in defense of his mother. However, the evidence presented led to the jury clearly rejecting this claim.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Brooks, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, Investigator Colin Cunningham, Victim Advocate Sophie Conner, and Legal Assistant Desiree Kozikowski. The investigation and arrest was handled by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

Ruffin, who was a convicted felon at the time, remains in custody for a sentencing hearing at a later date.

"The District Attorney's Office is committed to prosecuting violent offenses that put our communities at risk. I am proud of the prosecution team, my entire office, local law enforcement, and the members of the public who called 911 and cooperated with law enforcement."

District Attorney Randy McGinley

Alcovy Judicial Circuit

District Attorney Investigator Yarbrough Honored as Gang Investigator of the Year:

This week, at the Georgia Gang Investigators Association Summer Conference, Deputy Chief Investigator Eric Yarbrough was presented with the Regional Investigator of the Year award for the Eastern Region of Georgia.

District Attorney's Office Deputy Chief Investigator Eric Yarbrough

The Georgia Gang Investigator’s Association trains, provides intelligence, and facilitates corroboration among law enforcement and prosecutor agencies throughout the state. This award acknowledges Investigator Yarbrough’s deep commitment and hard work in investigating gang crimes and illegal gang activity in not just Walton County, but in the surrounding areas.

The award was presented to Investigator Yarbrough by GBI Special Agent and Regional Gang Specialist Ashleigh Isaacson.

“Investigator Yarbrough has consistently been, not just one of the hardest working individuals in all of law enforcement in our Circuit, and the entire State of Georgia. He is committed to doing the right thing and will stop at nothing to achieve justice for victims and our communities.

Investigator Yarbrough has never believed that a case coming to the District Attorney’s Office is the complete story. He will always go above and beyond to continue digging to find more information. I cannot think of someone more deserving of being honored with this award.

Walton County is a safter place because of Investigator Yarbrough. The entire DA’s Office is proud and honored to be able to work alongside him.

Randy McGinley

District Attorney

Alcovy Judicial Circuit

Carey Clark sentenced for April conviction for child abuse and neglect:

Yesterday, Carey Clark was sentenced to decades in prison for his involvement in the abuse and neglect of multiple of his biological children. After the Court considered the results of the pre-sentencing investigation and heard arguments regarding sentencing from Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Bailey Wilkinson, for the State, and the defense, the Court followed the State’s recommendation and sentenced Clark to 30 years in prison followed by 30 years on probation.

In April, a Newton County jury found Clark guilty of Aggravated Battery and multiple counts of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree. The jury heard evidence that Clark and co-defendant Nora Rodgers had failed to provide multiple children under the age of 10 necessary sustenance, physically injured them, and forced the children to perform exercises such as holding an 8 foot lawn timber over their heads. A doctor from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta testified at trial that what the children endured was torture.

In December of 2023, the codefendant, Nora Rodgers was sentenced for her involvement in the abuse and neglect to 60 years with the first 30 years in confinement. District Attorney Randy McGinley stated at the time of her sentence: "Over the years the children had suffered torture under the guise of punishment. They were forced to do extreme bootcamp style exercises. They would have to run laps, squats with large logs from the yard, jumping jacks, etc., for extended time periods and to the point of exhaustion and injury. They would often have to perform these exercises in the middle of the night and in the heat of summer. When the exercises were not performed to Rodgers liking, she would then beat them. Rodgers would also spar with children, striking and hitting them."

Both defendants received a sentence that reflects the seriousness of their crimes against young children. The children bravely came into court to tell the jurors about the abuse and neglect they had suffered. Their strength then and now is something to admire.

District Attorney Randy McGinley

Alcovy Judicial Circuit