Macon police detectives continue to investigate a murder that has shocked the community. Local businessman and community volunteer Waldo Sheftall was found shot to death in his Washington Avenue home late Wednesday evening. Police say robbery may have been the motive and that no suspects have been arrested at this time.
Meanwhile a double murder trial is continuing in Milledgeville. Brian Duane Brookins is accused of murdering his wife and step-daughter and faces the death penalty. Defense attorneys put a psychiatrist on the stand Thursday who testified that Brookins is mentally retarded. Prosecutors dispute these findings saying the defendant has an IQ of 72. Legally a person must have an IQ of 70 to be considered mentally retarded. Those found mentally retarded cannot face the death penalty.
Bibb County's Chief Tax Appraiser, Jim Davis, is staying in Macon. Davis was offered a job in Glynn County but turned it down. This means he will oversee a massive reevaluation project set to begin in a few weeks.
A Macon woman remains in jail after being charged with theft. Trudy Rutland is accused of stealing nearly a quarter million dollars from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. Investigators discovered the theft after the center's anniversary celebration. Proceeds from the celebration could not be found, and when officials checked the account they discovered the shortage.
A Bolingbroke zebra is back home. Ziggy was given back to his owners after they paid fines and fees to the Department of Natural Resources. Officials confiscated the animal in August saying the family did not have the proper permits.
