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.