Summary4 min read

Georgia Today Podcast: Jury Deliberates in Murder Trial of Three Ga. Deputies; Construction Permits

Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Overview

This episode of Georgia Today covers major ongoing stories across the state, including:

Jury deliberations in a high-profile murder trial involving three former sheriff’s deputies
A contentious proposal to accelerate Georgia’s construction permitting process
Local government debate over the future of Douglas County Museum
Updates on significant economic, healthcare, and sports headlines

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jury Deliberates in 2017 Tasing Death Trial

[00:34 – 01:44]

The jury is considering charges against three former Washington County deputies—Rhett Scott, Lee Copeland, and Michael Howell—accused of felony murder in the 2017 death of Yuri Lee Martin.
Incident: Martin, a mentally ill man, died after being tased 15 times while on a 30-mile walk, following a 911 call after he asked for water.
Defense Argument: Officers’ actions were lawful due to Martin littering and walking in the street—both misdemeanors.
Prosecution’s Statement: The prosecution, led by George Lipscomb, challenged this justification, highlighting the dangerous precedent it might set.

“People killed for littering, People killed for walking in the street. Is that Washington County? Is this who you are?”
— Prosecutor George Lipscomb [01:22]
Background: A previous trial on the case ended in a hung jury.

2. Debate Over Faster Construction Permitting

[01:44 – 02:35]

A legislative proposal aims to expedite the construction permitting process, requiring a 14-day deadline for permit reviews and requiring state oversight of stricter local codes.
Supporters’ View: Delays are costly and hinder affordable housing development.

“I've heard horror stories of the length of time it takes for contractors to get a building permit and those delays ... end up costing large sums of money and adds to the soft cost of housing.”
— Unnamed Bill Supporter [02:09]
Opposition: Groups like the Georgia Municipal Association argue delays are often due to incomplete plans and staffing shortages, not bureaucracy.
No subcommittee vote yet; legislative action deferred to January.

3. Rivian CEO’s Outlook Amid Changing EV Incentives

[02:35 – 03:33]

Rivian’s CEO, R.J. Scaringe, addressed the ramifications of ending federal tax credits for electric vehicles.
Despite believing such policy is bad for the broader U.S. industry, he notes it could benefit Rivian competitively:

“I happen to think that's actually a bad thing for the health of the US Auto industry and for the health of US Technology. But narrowly and myopically, through the lens of Rivian, it actually creates less competition.”
— RJ Scaringe [03:18]
Rivian reiterates commitment to a major Georgia factory, promising thousands of jobs.

4. New Health Services Center in North Fulton County

[03:33 – 04:47]

Fulton County is opening a comprehensive, accessible health services center serving seniors and people with developmental disabilities.
Location: North Point Parkway, near MARTA with ample parking.
Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson elaborates on centralized services:

“It's going to house services that exist today in north Fulton but are spread out in different areas ... but then also new services like senior services.”
— Dick Anderson [04:20]
Plans include a future behavioral health crisis center on the same campus.

5. Douglas County Museum Lease Controversy

[04:47 – 05:31]

The Douglas County Commission reversed a prior decision to terminate the Douglas County Museum’s lease, now allowing it to stay month-to-month in the old courthouse.
Some commissioners and residents express frustration over indecision and concerns about museum representation of local history.
Commissioner Whitney Kenner Jones voices exasperation over the ongoing debate:

“Make a decision and stick with it because the grandstanding and the nonsense, we look ridiculous. Make a decision and stick with it.”
— Whitney Kenner Jones [05:19]

6. Sports Headlines

[05:31 – 06:16]

College Football: Georgia secures a projected first-round playoff spot; Georgia Tech eyes a shot at the College Football Playoff and a potential ACC title game appearance.
NFL: Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Pennix Jr. will have season-ending knee surgery; Kirk Cousins to start for the remainder of the season.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“People killed for littering, People killed for walking in the street. Is that Washington County? Is this who you are?”
— Prosecutor George Lipscomb challenging the jury [01:22]
“I've heard horror stories of the length of time it takes for contractors to get a building permit and those delays ... end up costing large sums of money and adds to the soft cost of housing.”
— Supporter of speeding up building permits [02:09]
“I happen to think that's actually a bad thing for the health of the US Auto industry and for the health of US Technology. But narrowly and myopically, through the lens of Rivian, it actually creates less competition.”
— RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO [03:18]
“Make a decision and stick with it because the grandstanding and the nonsense, we look ridiculous.”
— Commissioner Whitney Kenner Jones on museum lease debate [05:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

Jury deliberates murder trial: [00:34 – 01:44]
Construction permitting bill debate: [01:44 – 02:35]
Rivian CEO on EV policy: [02:35 – 03:33]
Fulton County health services center: [03:59 – 04:47]
Douglas County Museum lease: [04:47 – 05:31]
Sports updates: [05:31 – 06:16]

This summary provides a comprehensive account of the episode’s central stories, key statements, and quotes, ideal for those seeking a quick yet in-depth understanding of the latest from Georgia Today.

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Transcript17 lines

[00:03]
A
Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, the jury weighs evidence in the trial of three Georgia deputies charged with felony murder. A proposal to speed up Georgia's permitting process for construction is drawing sharp debate and Douglas county commissioners spar over the decision to terminate the lease of the county museum.
[00:24]
B
Make a decision and stick with it because the grandstanding and the nonsense we look for ridiculous Make a decision and stick with it.
[00:35]
A
Today is Wednesday, November 19th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. A jury is now deliberating in the murder trial of three former Washington county sheriff's deputies charged with felony murder and the 2017 tasing death of a mentally ill man on a 30 mile walk on a summer day. GPB's Grant Blankenship has more.
[00:57]
C
In July 2017, 58 year old Yuri Lee Martin stopped to ask for water at a home on the road between Milledgeville and Sandersville. The homeowner called 911. Martin died after responding deputies eventually tased him 15 times. Deputies Attorneys argued the stop was reasonable because Martin had littered and walked in the middle of the road, both misdemeanors. Prosecutor George Lipscomb argued to jurors the premise was absurd, but they want this.
[01:23]
D
To be the standard for your community. People killed for littering, People killed for walking in the street. Is that Washington County? Is this who you are?
[01:33]
C
The first trial of Rhett Scott, Lee Copeland and Michael Howell for the killing of Yuri Lee Martin ended in a hung jury. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship in Sandersville.
[01:45]
A
A proposal to speed up Georgia's construction permitting process is drawing sharp debate. Supporters say the bill would help ease the state's affordable housing shortage by preventing long delays in issuing permits. The proposal proposal from America, State Representative Mike Chiokas and backed by home builders, would require the Department of Community affairs to review any stricter local building codes and impose a 14 day deadline for local governments to re review denied erosion permits.
[02:10]
E
I've heard horror stories of the length of time it takes for contractors to get a building permit and those delays for many varied reasons. Many Most times not even dealing with safety or structural reasons end up costing large sums of money and adds to the soft cost of housing.
[02:36]
A
Opponents include the Georgia Municipal association, county commissioners and environmental advocates. They argue delays often stem from incomplete plans and understaffing, not obstruction. The subcommittee did not vote on the bill. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol in January. The CEO of electric carmaker Rivian says his company could benefit in the long run from the end of a federal tax credit for electric vehicles. CEO RJ Scringe spoke at the Rotary Club of Atlanta on Monday, reaffirming the California based company's commitment to a Georgia manufacturing site east of Atlanta. He also addressed President Trump's push to end EV incentives in September, which caused some manufacturers to pull back from electrification.
[03:19]
D
I happen to think that's actually a bad thing for the health of the US Auto industry and for the health of US Technology. But narrowly and myopically, through the lens of Rivian, it actually creates less competition.
[03:34]
A
The Rivian factory near Social Circle broke ground in September, promising more than 7,000 jobs by 2030. In July, the company selected a site near Atlanta's popular bike and pedestrian trail, the Beltline, for its east coast headquarters, promising 500 jobs when fully built. Residents in north Fulton county may have access early next year to a one stop shop offering healthcare and more and more GPB's. Ellen Eldredge reports.
[04:00]
F
The renovated two story building will house healthcare services for the community, including seniors and those with developmental disabilities, in 100,000 square foot space. The building on North Point Parkway is near a MARTA station and has plenty of free parking. Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson says they want to improve visibility and access to.
[04:20]
D
Care and it's going to house services that exist today in north Fulton but are spread out in different areas, like public health, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, but then also new services like senior services, he says.
[04:34]
F
The county is also in the final design stages for a behavioral health crisis center on the campus that is expected to open in two to three years. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.
[04:48]
A
The Douglas County Museum will remain in its current location, at least for now. The Douglas county board of commissioners voted 3:2 yesterday to allow the museum to remain in part of the old Douglas County Courthouse on a month to month basis. This comes after the board last month voted to terminate the museum's lease at the end of the year. The majority argued last month that the museum, which generates no revenue, was taking up space other county functions needed. County Commissioner Whitney Kenner Jones opposed yesterday's measure. She says revisiting this issue makes it hard for the museum to plan for.
[05:20]
B
Its future, make a decision and stick with it because the grandstanding and the nonsense, we look ridiculous. Make a decision and stick with it.
[05:32]
A
Speaking at the County Commission meeting yesterday, residents of Douglas county were split over whether the museum should remain in its current space, and some questioned whether the museum adequately represented the county's black and Native American history. In college football, Georgia has nabbed the fourth and final projected first round bye in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Bulldogs rose one spot thanks to Alabama's loss to Oklahoma over the weekend. The Bulldogs faced Charlotte at home on Saturday. Meanwhile, number 15 Georgia Tech has a shot at the College Football Playoff ahead of its primetime matchup Saturday against Pittsburgh. Yellowjackets will clinch a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on December 6th if they beat Pitt. And in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Pennix Jr. Will have a season ending surgery to repair a ligament in his left knee. The Falcons made the announcement two days after saying he would be placed on injured reserve and miss at least four games. Veteran Kirk Cousins will start for the remainder of the season as the Falcons prepare to play at New Orleans on Sunday. Pennick suffered the injury in Sunday's 30:27 overtime loss to Carolina, extending the Falcons losing streak to five games. We appreciate you tuning in to Georgia today for all the latest Georgia headlines. We've got more at our website, gpb.org news and we'll have more on this podcast tomorrow as well, so make sure you subscribe. That way, we'll pop up automatically in your feed and you won't miss a thing. Your feedback is welcome. Send your suggestions for improvement or your story ideas to us by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.orgnetwork I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.