BREAKING
These ideas for War Hill Park will be heard at Dawson County commissioners' next meeting
A proposed master plan for the lakeside park was last shared with the public in May.
Full Story
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
February date set for murder case
2. Seppenfield mug
Seppenfield

A trial date has been set in the case of a Dawson County man accused in the 2014 shooting death of a local little league coach.

Herman James Seppenfield VII, 51, has been in Dawson County Sheriff's custody since his Dec. 6, 2014 arrest.

Charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, his trial is scheduled for the week of Feb. 22, according to court records from a status hearing Monday morning.

The charges stem from a Nov. 22 fight on Whitney Place off Dawson Forest Road in southeastern Dawson County that ended in gunfire.

Brandon Weaver, 37, of Dawsonville was hit twice at close range, once in the chest and once in the side.

He died on the scene, a short time after first responders arrived at the home.

Authorities say Seppenfield fired the deadly shots.

The fight reportedly started when Weaver and another man, identified as Marty Buice, arrived at the Whitney Place home to confront the people living there.

Authorities said Weaver's son had been at a birthday party at the home several hours earlier that evening and had called home to say he wanted to leave.

Also arrested in connection with the fight was 25-year-old Tory Jude Miguez, 25, who was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a felony crime.

In September, Superior Court Judge Jason Deal granted a motion filed on behalf of Seppenfield to sever his proceedings from those of Miguez.

According to court records, attorneys for Seppenfield have indicated they want a change of venue for the trial.

"Local and statewide newspapers have published and circulated articles describing the acts with which [Seppenfield] is charged, and such reports have included significant portions of documentary and hearsay evidence to defendant, the admissibility of which has not been considered by this honorable court," according to the motion filed May 15 by Attorney Richard Stepp.

Similar reports have appeared online and been broadcasted on radio and TV in Dawson County and surrounding areas, which he said "has the potential of severely prejudicing" his client.

On Sept. 3, Deal granted Seppenfield's motion to reserve the right to move for a change of venue if one cannot be seated locally.

 

 

Magazines