Atlanta, GA

Family seeks justice after man found dead in back of burning car

Published

1 year ago

November 5, 2023

Family seeks justice after man found dead in back of burning car

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A burning car on Interstate 20, revealed a much darker crime, that has gone unsolved for nearly a month.

On Saturday, a Metro Atlanta family pleaded for answers, after they said their brother and son, Corey McDonald, 45-years-old was shot and killed, then left for dead in the backseat of his car.

Officials said the car was found at I-20 EB near Gresham Road Bridge.

Atlanta News First was able to obtain an incident report from the DeKalb County Police Department which stated a 911 caller saw two people in the car on fire and then leave the car on foot. This all happened on October 6th.

The family now wants the suspects and those who saw what happened to come forward.

“It’s a brutal murder. It was just so brutal. You killed somebody and you tossed them in the back of their own car? And you drive around and then you torch a car and set it on fire, what is that,” said Torestha McDonald, the victim’s mother.

McDonald said since this happened, she has been waking up in the middle of the night, wondering what truly happened to her son—a father of two.

“He was a sweet person. I just don’t understand. He didn’t even carry a weapon. I mean, he was loved by everybody,” his mother said. “I’m assuming, I don’t know for sure, but these two guys are just somebody who wants to rob somebody or whatever, and just have a joyride, and they killed him,” McDonald said. “I hope for the rest of their life, they see my son’s face every time they close their eye. They will see my son’s face, that you murdered my son,” she added.

Willie McDonald said his younger brother’s wallet, phone, and keys were missing. It’s leaving them with a lot of questions.

“No wallet. No phone. No keys,” McDonald’s mother said.

“None of his personal possessions,” Willie said.

“It’s been tough. You know every day I wake up wondering what happened, why did it happen,” Willie said. “It’s been a big challenge for our family to try to get through this process,” he said.

“We want the world to know that he was loved by his family. There was no reason for someone to take his life. Just like that for no reason and we want this to be investigated and all those involved to be persecuted for their actions,” Willie said. “We want the people who did this, to be held accountable for their actions… to serve the rest of the life in jail, for what they did.

McDonald’s mom is now sending a direct message to the suspects.

“I want the killers to know, God is not dead. He is awake. He sees everything so they think they got away with it, they didn’t. Just know that you didn’t get away with it, and I pray that I see you in court and I want to talk to you, yes, I do,” Torestha said.

They’re also pleading for anyone who saw or knows what happened to finally come forward.

“I just want closure. I just want closure. I want to know what happened and where it happened, and why,” she said. “If anyone has seen anything whatsoever, whether he was out that night, you saw him, or whatever, just come forward and talk. Just come forward because this is important to me,” the victim’s mother added.

The DeKalb County Police Department said this investigation is still ongoing.

The victim’s family is asking anyone with tips to call the Dekalb County Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS.

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Atlanta, GA

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | 2024

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | 2024

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ATLANTA – It’s become a tradition for many serious and not-so-serious athletes and families to go for a run or walk prior to eating a big Thanksgiving meal. Many of these runs/walks often benefit worthy causes. Here’s a list of runs and walks around metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

Acworth Turkey Chase

When: 8 a.m., Nov. 23
Where: Downtown Acworth
What: Includes the Little Pilgrim Trot (2K walk) and a 5K run. This event is a qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
How Much: Starting at $10 for Little Pilgrim Trot, $20 for untimed fun run, $30 for timed run
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Early Bird Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

When: 8 a.m., Nov. 23 (check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.)
Where: 200 Chastain Meadows Court, Kennesaw
What: 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon
How Much: $25 on race day
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Get Basted Turkey Trot

When: 8 a.m., Nov. 24
Where: North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming
What: 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon
How Much: $25 on race day
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Turkey Trot of McDonough

When: 7 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Academy Sports & Outdoors, 198 South Point Blvd., McDonough
What: 1-mile fun run, 5K, and 10K options
How Much: Starting at $30
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Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Dash

When: 7:45 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Center Parc Stadium, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta
What: Half marathon, 5K, and 1-mile dash. Starts under Atlanta’s Olympic rings with a post-race celebration.
How Much: Starting at $25
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Thanksgiving Day Gobble Wobble 5K/10K/Fun Run

When: 7:45 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta
What: 9th annual 5K, 10K, and fun run
How Much: Starting at $25
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Tryptophan Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K

When: 7:30 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: 405 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming
What: 14th annual race on Big Creek Parkway
How Much: Starting at $70
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MUST Ministries Gobble Jog

When: 7:30 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Marietta Square, downtown Marietta
What: 10K and 5K timed races, as well as untimed 5K, 1K, and Tot Trot. Benefits MUST Ministries.
How Much: Starting at $40
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Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon

When: Nov. 28
Where: 3835 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek
What: 5K, 10K, 15K, and half marathon
How Much: $25 on race day
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Gainesville Turkey Trot 5K & 10K

When: 8:30 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, 12626 NW CR 231, Gainesville
What: Scenic 5K and 10K through fields and forests
How Much: Starting at $40
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Rome Turkey Trot

When: 9 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: AdventHealth Stadium, 755 Braves Blvd., Rome
What: 5K USATF-certified race and a 3K family stroll
How Much: Starting at $30
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Dahlonega Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run

When: 8:30 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Lumpkin County High School, 2001 Indian Drive, Dahlonega
What: 11th annual 5K and fun run
How Much: Starting at $40
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Blue Ridge Turkey Trot

When: 8 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Downtown Blue Ridge
What: Thanksgiving Day race/walk for all ages
How Much: Starting at $30
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Oconee River Greenway Turkey Trot

When: 8 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Oconee River Greenway, 420 E. Greene Street, Milledgeville
What: 1-mile fun run/walk or 5K race on the scenic Greenway
How Much: Starting at $15
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West Georgia Turkey Trot

When: 9 a.m., Nov. 28
Where: Hobbs Farm Greenbelt Trailhead, Carrollton
What: 5K, 10K, and Gobble Wobble for kids. Benefits foster care programs.
How Much: Starting at $20
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Atlanta, GA

Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta | Nov. 22-24, 2024

Published

15 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta | Nov. 22-24, 2024

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ATLANTA – Looking for fun and festive ways to spend your time in and around metro Atlanta this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for dazzling holiday lights, live music, engaging art events, or a little holiday shopping, this list has something for everyone.

Holidays

WildWoods AGLOW

When: Now–Feb. 23 (select nights)
Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta
What: A multi-sensory experience blending real environments with glowing displays and original music. Discover large dandelions, dragonflies, bat displays, glowing garden towers, and more.
How Much: Starting at $23.95
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Holidays at Georgia Aquarium

When: Now–Jan. 2
Where: Georgia Aquarium, 222 Baker Street NW, Atlanta
What: Festive holiday music, winter-inspired projections, a 40-foot live tree, photos with Santa, a holiday-themed dolphin presentation, and more.
How Much: Starting at $39.99
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IllumiNights at the Zoo

When: Now–Jan. 19
Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: A nighttime wonderland with lanterns, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and more.
How Much: Starting at $20.99
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Georgia Festival of Trees

When: Nov. 23–Dec. 1
Where: Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
What: A festival with fully decorated Christmas trees, live entertainment, Santa visits, a boutique gift shop, and more. Proceeds benefit local charities.
How Much: Starting at $15
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Merry Grinchmas Market

When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Nov. 23–24
Where: Catoosa Colonnade Event Center, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold
What: Over 100 vendors offering unique gifts, food trucks, free pictures with Santa, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who.
How Much: $5 general admission for adults
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12th Annual Christmas Parade, Jingle Market & Tree Lighting

When: 2–8 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Dawsonville City Hall, 415 GA-53, Dawsonville
What: A festive market, parade, food trucks, and a tree lighting at dusk.
How Much: Free admission
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Mable House Lights The Night

When: 4 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton
What: Kicking off a 12-day celebration with a makers market, live entertainment, refreshments, and a tree lighting.
How Much: Free admission
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Light Up Trilith

When: 4–8 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Town at Trilith, 305 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
What: Live music, festive activities, Santa visits, food trucks, and a tree lighting at 8 p.m.
How Much: Free admission
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Light the Station

When: 6–9 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta
What: A parade with floats, bands, stilt walkers, ice skating, a DJ, and the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree.
How Much: Free admission
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Atlanta Christkindl Market

When: Nov. 23–Jan. 5
Where: Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park
What: German-inspired food, handcrafted goods, and Santa appearances.
How Much: Free admission
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Misfits Toys Market

When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Harmony Park, 380 Mead Road, Decatur
What: Handmade goods, oddities, crafts, and a DJ.
How Much: Free admission
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Holiday in the Park

When: Nov. 23–Jan. 5 (select nights)
Where: Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell
What: Over 1 million LED lights, festive shows, holiday treats, rides, and Santa visits.
How Much: $40+
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Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration

When: 4–6:30 p.m., Nov. 24
Where: Dunwoody Village, Downtown Dunwoody
What: Performances, family-friendly activities, free Santa photos, a tree lighting, and a lantern parade.
How Much: Free admission
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Music

The Reflex

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street, Woodstock
What: An Atlanta-based Duran Duran tribute band.
How Much: Starting at $29.50
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The Lone Bellow

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Eddie’s Attic, 515 N. McDonough Street, Decatur
What: Folk rock band with a fan-curated setlist as part of their “By Request Only” tour.
How Much: $40 general admission
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The Fab Four

When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
What: An ultimate tribute to The Beatles.
How Much: Starting at $35
More Info

Stephen Wilson Jr.

When: 8 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
What: Americana artist on his “Son of Dad” tour.
How Much: Starting at $29
More Info

Jabroni Fest 9

When: Nov. 22–23
Where: Boggs Social & Supply, 1310 White Street SW, Atlanta
What: Performances by multiple bands, including The Carolyn, Seafulls, Chimes, and others.
How Much: $20 for a one-day pass, $30 for a two-day pass
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Manchester Orchestra

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: The Eastern, 800 Old Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta
What: Celebrating the 15th anniversary of their album Mean Everything to Nothing during their “Stuffing XIV” tour.
How Much: Starting at $49.50
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Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time

When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta
What: Mariah Carey celebrates the 30th anniversary of her Merry Christmas album.
How Much: Starting at $79.95
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Musiq Soulchild

When: 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta
What: One of the most influential R&B singers of this generation.
How Much: Starting at $75
More Info

Cowboy – Tribute to Kid Rock

When: 9:45 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: 37 Main, 37 East Main Street, Buford
What: Kid Rock tribute band performing across major venues and biker events.
How Much: $10+
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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

When: 3 p.m., Nov. 24
Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
What: Enjoy timeless Christmas classics performed by Mannheim Steamroller.
How Much: Starting at $49.50
More Info

Comedy

Lucas Zelnick

When: Nov. 21–24 (multiple shows)
Where: The Punchline, 3652 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
What: New York native Lucas Zelnick rose to fame on social media and now tours as a comedian.
How Much: Starting at $28
More Info

Art

The Art of Competition Tour

When: Nov. 23
Where: ABV Gallery, 1206 Metropolitan Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: A live art battle featuring DJs, drinks, and more.
How Much: Starting at $18
More Info

Theater

Beauty and the Beast Jr.

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Roswell Cultural Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell
What: Roswell Youth Theatre presents the junior version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
How Much: $16.50+
More Info

Other

Laughs, Llamas, and Pajamas

When: 6–8 p.m., Nov. 21
Where: Uptown Atlanta, 575 Morosgo Drive NE, Atlanta
What: Llamas in pajamas, a comedy show, children’s activities, crafts, and more.
How Much: Free admission
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Upper Deck Golf at Truist Park

When: Nov. 21–23
Where: Truist Park
What: Play golf from the upper level of Truist Park while enjoying music, food, and drinks. Tee times are available throughout the day.
How Much: Starting at $89.99
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Cobb County Gem & Mineral Society Annual Show

When: Nov. 22–24
Where: Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta
What: Rocks, gemstones, fossils, beads, jewelry, and supplies from over 30 professional dealers.
How Much: Free admission
More Info

Acworth Turkey Chase

When: Nov. 23
Where: Downtown Acworth
What: Includes the Little Pilgrim Trot, a 2K walk, and a 5K run. A qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
How Much: Starting at $10 for Little Pilgrim Trot, $20 for untimed fun run, $30 for timed run
More Info

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta gearing up for 2025 College Football Playoff Championships with star-studded events

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Atlanta gearing up for 2025 College Football Playoff Championships with star-studded events

ATLANTA – January 20, 2025, may be college football’s biggest night with millions of eyes on Atlanta, but its reach extends far beyond just a game on the field.

“We want this to be an event for the whole community,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff.

For Atlanta’s national championship organizing committee, that means planning events designed to bring the whole family together.

On Thursday afternoon, the committee announced its lineup of recording artists who will perform on Jan. 18 and 19 at State Farm Arena.

“The weekend’s initial needle-drop will take place on the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! stage on Saturday, Jan. 18, with performances by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rap icon Lil Wayne and GRAMMY®-nominated and award-winning hip-hop musician GloRilla. The second night, Sunday, Jan. 19, will feature diamond-certified GRAMMY®-nominated pop powerhouse Camila Cabello, British singer-songwriter and Apple Music’s Up Next Artist Myles Smith, and Nashville-based singer-songwriter and social media sensation Knox.”

PREVIOUS STORY: Lil Wayne, GloRilla and Camila Cabello to headline college football concert series in Atlanta

The artists span multiple genres, aiming to provide something for everyone. Beyond the music, there will be a food event, an interactive fan experience called “Playoff Fan Central,” and a tailgate with even more music.

“There is something for everyone to be involved in, even if you’re not a football fan,” Clark said. “If you like food, there’s something for you. If you like to run, there’s something to do. If you like music, it’s there for you.”

Organizers emphasize that while much of the event is about football and fun, they are also using the platform to give back to teachers and schools throughout Georgia.

“To come in and have a football game and then leave without having done something meaningful of a legacy nature would just not feel right,” said Britton Banowsky, executive director of the College Football Playoff Foundation.

Atlanta will be the first city to host the College Football Playoff National Championship for a second time. This year also marks the first expansion of the playoff from four teams to 12.

The ultimate goal in January is to surpass the success of the last championship event held in Atlanta.

“These events are a great way to show off all the great amenities we have here,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “Visitors get to experience it for the first time, while we get to enjoy what we already know is special about Atlanta.”

Tickets for the two AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concerts will go on sale on Monday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster and CollegeFootballPlayoff.com/ppl.

Additionally, the CFP announced the lineup for the Allstate Championship Tailgate, which will kick off game day festivities for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The event will take place outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET in Georgia International Plaza and The Home Depot Backyard.

Headlining the Allstate Championship Tailgate on the Capital One Music Stage will be award-winning global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. Fans can also enjoy interactive games, sponsor activations, concessions, live ESPN broadcasts, and performances by each team’s marching band throughout the day.

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