Author: Kristen Kitchens

The only criminal trial in the Superior Court of Coffee County was canceled Tuesday morning after the defendant, Daniel Rashon Knighton, pleaded guilty to his charge just before the jury was called in. While several other individuals were listed on this week’s criminal calendar, Knighton’s was the only case scheduled. According to documents filed in the Superior Court of Coffee County, Knighton was arrested in October 2020 on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime, and pointing a gun or pistol at another.…

The only criminal trial in the Superior Court of Coffee County was canceled Tuesday morning after the defendant, Daniel Rashon Knighton, pleaded guilty to his charge just before the jury was called in. While several other individuals were listed on this week’s criminal calendar, Knighton’s was the only case scheduled. According to documents filed in the Superior Court of Coffee County, Knighton was arrested in October 2020 on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime, and pointing a gun or pistol at another.…

When Willie Spence’s American Idol audition premiered in February 2021, he was asked where he saw himself in five years. His response: “Hopefully winning a Grammy one day.” There was no question in anyone’s mind during that audition that Willie Spence had a voice that was worthy of that award. However, instead of a special episode congratulating Willie’s success in the music industry, American Idol will pay tribute to their Season 19 runner-up during tonight’s episode, the Season 21 premiere, following his death last October. There hasn’t been one story I have typed about Willie since…

When Willie Spence’s American Idol audition premiered in February 2021, he was asked where he saw himself in five years. His response: “Hopefully winning a Grammy one day.” There was no question in anyone’s mind during that audition that Willie Spence had a voice that was worthy of that award. However, instead of a special episode congratulating Willie’s success in the music industry, American Idol will pay tribute to their Season 19 runner-up during tonight’s episode, the Season 21 premiere, following his death last October. There hasn’t been one story I have typed about Willie since…

A 30-year-old Douglas man is now in jail after he reportedly struck the front of a Douglas Police Department patrol vehicle while allegedly intoxicated at 6:40 a.m. on Monday morning. According to the report, both the victim, a female police officer, and the driver, Miguel Rivera, received “suspected or minor visible injuries” from the crash. A copy of a Georgia State Patrol report states that on the morning of the wreck, Rivera was traveling south on Wheeler Avenue, approaching Bowens Mill Road. The officer saw Rivera cross the center line and enter the opposite lane of travel. According…

A 36-year-old woman from Folkston was recently arrested for allegedly threatening to kill another woman, according to a Douglas Police Department incident report. The suspect, Kendra Jones, has since been released on an out-of-county bond. An officer reported that on February 5, he responded to a residence on West Cherry Street in an apartment complex after receiving a complaint about a possible domestic dispute. When the officer arrived, he made contact with Jones, who reported that she and a 29-year-old female had been arguing all night and all morning but the argument had not turned into a physical…

An alleged pecan theft resulted in a felony charge for a 54-year-old Broxton man after he was allegedly found to be in possession of methamphetamine when questioned by officers. According to a copy of a Broxton Police Department incident report, on January 23, an officer was dispatched to a residence on West Avenue in reference to a criminal trespass. When the officer arrived, he spoke to the property owner, who reported that a man had been taking pecans from the property. After speaking to the complainant, the officer reportedly made contact with a male wearing clothes described by…

For almost six years, Wallace Lee has been in prison serving a life sentence for the double murder of 33-year-old Meghan Bowen and 39-year-old James Harden. Next month, Lee will return to the Superior Court of Coffee County for a judge to hear his motion for a new trial. Evidence during Lee’s trial, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office following his conviction, “showed a history of violent acts Lee committed against Bowen, including beating in her front door with an ax, smashing the windows of her vehicle, physically attacking her, and threats that he ‘better…

Two individuals were recently arrested on drug charges following a search at a home in Nicholls. According to the report, officers discovered quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine as a result. An incident report states that on February 2, officers with the Nicholls Police Department, the Bacon County/Alma Crime Suppression Unit, and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit executed the search at 102 South Middleton Street in Nicholls. The search was conducted at the residence of 53-year-old Russell Anthony Waters. According to the report, after the search was completed, Waters and two other individuals…

The defense teams for both Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes are currently fighting to dismiss the charges against the two men in Ben Hill County. A hearing for Ryan was set soon after new charges came following his conviction and acquittal during his trial last May, with Bo’s attorney later filing a motion claiming his previous charges in the county were tolled by the statute of limitations. Less than two weeks after Ryan was acquitted of Tara Grinstead’s murder in a two-week trial in May, he was indicted on six additional charges. According to a copy of the…